As another year draws to a close, many people pause to reflect on the past 12 months and the relationships that made them bearable. For some, this means sending a well-timed New Year’s wish to family, friends, coworkers, or clients. But crafting the right message can be surprisingly difficult.
The end of the year often brings gratitude for those who helped us get through it — and a desire to express that. However, many people struggle to articulate genuine feelings in a way that feels meaningful. To help, here are 22 wishes tailored for different relationships, designed to strike the right tone before the new year begins.
Warming Up with Family: Gratitude and Humor
Families are often the first to see both our best and worst sides. A New Year’s message to them should reflect appreciation for their unwavering support. Positivity, love, and humor are key.
Here are four examples:
- “Happy New Year to my favorite people in the world. Wishing you another year filled with belly laughs, love, and mom’s pocket-dials!”
- “Cheers to another year of five different family group texts! Let’s go big or go home and do six next year! Love you!”
- “Wishing the most stunning family ever a year full of good food, tons of giggles, and extra sleep!”
- “Happy New Year! Love you all! Thanks for giving me my good looks! (And my humility!)”
Strengthening Bonds with Friends: Lighthearted Appreciation
Friends make life more fun, offering support through thick and thin. A New Year’s message to them should be lighthearted, funny, or heartfelt, with personal touches that highlight shared experiences.
Five examples for friends:
- “Happy New Year, bestie! Thanks for all the hand holds, scream-laughs, and ‘Omg, CUTE!’ texts. So happy you’re in my life!”
- “Cheers to another year of midnight calls, 7am croissants, and last-minute weekend getaways!”
- “Manifesting my ride-or-die a year full of amazing hair days, great work-life balance, and deep restorative sleep every night! Happy New Year!”
- “To my best friend, thanks for always giving the best advice, sending the funniest memes, and finding the best happy hour spots in between our places. Let’s do it all over again this year!”
- “Happy New Year lovely!! Love your brain, love your style, and love YOU!”
Maintaining Professional Boundaries: Coworkers and Clients
Workplace relationships require a balance of friendliness and professionalism. New Year’s messages should acknowledge contributions and milestones while remaining appropriate for the setting.
For coworkers:
- “Happy New Year to the person whose emails I look forward to the most! Let’s smash those Q1 goals (and thanks for always making me laugh with your email headings!)”
- “Here’s to another year of rushed elevator rides, long coffee breaks, and brisk lunchtime walks. Let’s do it all again next year!”
- “Happy New Year! Thanks for always reminding me to go home at 6pm because the project will still be there in the morning. You’re the best!”
- “Happy New Year! Here’s to the person who always asks about my weekend and never fails to drop off kitchen treats at my desk. Me and my stomach thank you!”
For clients:
- “Happy New Year! We’re so thankful we got to meet and work with you this year.”
- “Happy New Year! We were honored to work with you and wish you and your team nothing but success!”
- “Working with you this year was such a highlight for us. So excited to do it all over again next year!”
- “You and your team were rock stars this year! We wish you even more success in the new year!”
Creative Ways to Make Your Message Stand Out
If you want to go beyond a simple text message, consider these ideas:
- Voice notes or videos: A personal touch can make a big impact.
- Handwritten notes: Unexpected and refreshing.
- Gifts: Pair your message with something small but thoughtful.
- Custom playlists: Share songs that remind you of the recipient.
Navigating Workplace Communication: Striking the Right Tone
The key to workplace wishes is neutrality and optimism. Avoid excessive humor that could be misinterpreted. For clients, keep it professional. For coworkers, you can be slightly more lighthearted.
Pairing Wishes with Gifts: Thoughtful Gestures
Consider combining your message with a gift:
- Family/Friends: Photo books or customized calendars.
- Coworkers: Notebooks, coffee gift cards.
- Clients: Handwritten cards with chocolates or wine.
Quotes to Elevate Your Message
If you’re struggling for words, consider adding a quote:
- “Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right” – Oprah Winfrey.
- “Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year” – Ralph Waldo Emerson.
- “The magic in new beginnings is truly the most powerful of them all” – Josiyah Martin.
Ultimately, a thoughtful New Year’s wish is a simple but powerful way to strengthen relationships and begin the year on a positive note. Genuine appreciation, tailored to the recipient, will always be more impactful than generic greetings.
