How do I word this without sounding awful?

Abbafan1972

I think it's nice to send a card, but worded appropriately.

I can remember the year my uncle died, I sent my auntie a Christmas card, but it had an appropriate greeting in it. My Dad was surprised that I'd sent one, it was much nicer I thought than not sending anything at all.

I think the "thinking of you" line sounds much better. I didn't know you could get a seasonal card with this type of greeting on. But if you have difficulty finding one, there's always moonpig or funky pigeon where you can personalise your own text.

dueyb

A friend of my mum's died and she sent all her cards out signed (not real names obv) John, Jane, Sarah and not forgetting Lisa. Which I thought was a nice idea so maybe you could do the same idea but the other way round.

My sister died at a young age and a friend always sent my parents a card containing an angel that my mum then hung up which she appreciated.

Torry_Quine

I definitely think you should send a Christmas card and very surprised that some think otherwise. Something simple along the lines of 'Thinking of you' would be fine.

I received a card today from someone telling me her husband died last month, it never occured to me not to send one to her and if she hadn't sent it I would have sent it to both of them which would be worse. Another friend lost her husband 13 months ago and we exchanged cards last year and this. Yes sensitivity is needed but much worse not to send at all

nearlyrich

I have bought some cards with no words and just written "thinking of you at Christmas" for my friends who lost their Dad recently, they know I know what they are going through and whilst the first Christmas is tough their Dad would want them to enjoy the family time just as my parents would...

purple.sarah

I hadn't heard of the etiquette about not sending a Christmas card to a family that has been bereaved. I have heard bereaved people say that friends can sometimes go too far in their eagerness not to offend and cut them out of normal activities, I think cutting them off the Christmas card list could come across like that.

Of course avoid any Happy Holidays wording. I heard a nice phrase online "May your memories bring you comfort at this time." It recognises that while this Christmas will be difficult without her they have happy memories of past Christmas' with her. I would say something like: Sending you lots of love this festive season, may your memories bring you comfort at this time.