What to say when you ask for Christmas card addresses
Name the reason, make it easy, and say who sees the address. Those three things fit in two sentences, and the messages below put them in the voice that suits each group. Swap the names, paste your link where it says [link], and send.
This page is about the words. For the method (what to ask for and how to collect the answers), see how to collect addresses for Christmas cards.
Family group chat
Card season is coming! I'm updating my list. If you've moved, or I might have an old address, please fill in this short form: [link]. Only I see it, and you can remove it again afterward.
Mom, Dad, aunts, cousins: one link, one minute, and your card finds you this year. [link]
Tone and timing: Warm and a little playful. Send it on a weekday evening, when people have the phone in hand. Post the link only and keep addresses out of the chat, so nobody has to type theirs where everyone can read it. Expect a few replies of "done" and a few of "later", so a single nudge a week on is fine.
Friends
Hey! I'm doing holiday cards again and want yours to land in the right mailbox. Could you put your address in here? [link] It goes only to me.
Did you move since last year? I'd rather not send your card to the old place :) This takes a minute: [link]
Tone and timing: Casual and short. A one to one message beats a group post here, because it reads as a personal ask. Early in the season is best, so there is time for a second try with the people who forget.
Coworkers
Hi Sam, I'm sending a few holiday cards this year and would love to include you. If you're happy to share a mailing address, you can add it here: [link]. Only I see it, and no worries at all if you'd rather not.
Hi Priya, I'm putting together my card list. If you'd like one, this form takes a minute: [link]. It's fine to pass.
Tone and timing: Polite and low pressure. Many people keep work and home apart, so say it is optional and who sees the address. Skip the team channel. Ask each person on their own, a couple of weeks before you plan to write the cards.
Neighbors
Hi, it's Dana from number 12. I'm sending holiday cards and would like to include you. If you'd like to share your address, here is a short form: [link]. Only I see it.
Hi! Since you moved, I don't have your new address. Would you add it here? [link] I'd like to keep sending you a card.
Tone and timing: Friendly and brief. If you pass them anyway, a card in the mailbox needs no address at all, so only ask neighbors who have moved away or live in another building. Send it by text or put a short note with the link on their door.
New in-laws
Hi Linda, it's Maya (Jordan's partner). I'm making a holiday card list and would love to send you one. Could you add your address, and the names the way you like them on the envelope? [link] Only I see it, and you can remove it whenever you like.
Hi both! Jordan and I are sending cards this year. This form asks for your name and address as you'd like them written: [link]
Tone and timing: Respectful and specific. Say who you are sending from, and ask for the name as they like it written, since a name line for a blended or hyphenated family is easy to get wrong. Ask through your partner first if you have not met them yet, and give it a few weeks, because replies from people who do not know you well come slowly.
People you've lost touch with
Hi Chris, it's Ana from college. I found myself thinking of you and I'm sending holiday cards this year. If you'd like one, you can add your address here: [link]. Only I see it, and it's fine to skip.
Hello Mr. Evans, this is Tom Reyes, who rented the house next to yours on Elm Street. I'm sending a few cards to old friends and would be glad to include you, if you'd like: [link]
Tone and timing: Honest and light, with an easy way out. Name the connection in the first sentence, so the message is not mistaken for spam. Send it early, expect many to stay silent, and do not follow up more than once.
What people see when they open your link
A short form with your name at the top, a field for the name on the envelope, a field for the address and a box to tick to agree that you get it. It also says that only you see the address and on what date the list is deleted. After sending, the person gets a link to remove their own entry, which they can use whenever they change their mind. You can remove anyone from your list as well.
Because the form says all this itself, your message can stay short. Mentioning it in one phrase, as the examples do, is usually enough for the careful people on your list.