A one-line message to add to New Year’s cards! Ideas for writing that convey your feelings to friends

10 years as a kindergarten teacher / elementary school teacher / junior and senior high school teacher / childminderkepiko
Graduated from Kunitachi College of Music, Faculty of Music (now: Department of Music Culture and Education, Early Childhood Music Education major). In elementary school, my homeroom teacher was Jun Kusaba, a game researcher. After graduating from university, I worked as a kindergarten teacher for 10 years and as an after-school childcare instructor for 7 years, then took a position as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I engaged in activities that introduced Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational activities, working with many children. Later, through freelance writing, planning, and editing at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and sharing. Drawing on the perspective cultivated in the field of education and my experience as an editor, I provide practical information with an emphasis on both input and output, mainly in areas related to music and children. My hobbies include instruments, singing, handicrafts, toys, drawing, traditional games, the outdoors, and books. My special skill is spinning-top tricks.

When writing New Year’s cards, many people find themselves unsure about what brief message to add for friends.

For a friend you haven’t contacted in a while, you may want to share a bit about how you’ve been, and for friends you see often, a lighthearted line with some humor can bring a smile.

A standard greeting alone can feel a bit lacking, but it’s hard to know what words to add.

Here, we introduce ideas for heartfelt one-liners you can use, tailored to your relationship and feelings.

How about adding a warm message to this year’s New Year’s cards and deepening your bond with your dear friends?

A One-Liner to Add to New Year’s Cards! Ideas for Writing That Conveys Your Feelings to Friends (11–20)

Let’s get through the world this year with a playful spirit!

It’s a positive, warm message that encourages us to keep an open mind and hold on to a sense of fun even in tough times.

As a note to include when reaching out to a friend you haven’t contacted in a while, it would likely give them positivity and energy.

It also seems to convey the feeling, “We couldn’t meet last year, but I’d love to make time to see you this year.” It’s a very casual message, perfect for a close friend.

Please cherish your playful spirit and get your wonderful New Year off to a great start!

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Please take good care of yourself during this severe cold.

How about the refined phrase “In this time of severe cold, please take good care of yourself”? Here, ori means “time” or “occasion” and is used as a polite expression.

And jiai literally means “self-love,” that is, to value oneself and look after one’s health.

It’s a very courteous way to convey the feeling of “It’s bitterly cold, so please mind your health.” The recipient will likely be pleased, thinking, “What a stylish turn of phrase.” Since it suits anyone—friends, relatives, former colleagues—try adding it to your New Year’s cards.

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moko

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I pray that it will be a year full of blessings.

A year full of good fortune literally means that happiness visits often and continues throughout the year.

For someone important to whom you’re sending New Year’s cards, you want them to have a year overflowing with joy, don’t you? The phrase “I pray for you” conveys that you truly care about them, and it’s likely to warm the heart of the person who receives your card.

It’s always nice to know there’s someone who thinks of you.

This message might even prompt them to reach out, saying they’d love to meet after a long time.

It’s a phrase that’s easy to send both to people you’re usually close with and to those who live far away and are hard to see often.

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Let’s continue to challenge and improve each other this year as well.

Sesshata kuma refers to encouraging one another and striving and growing together.

Using this phrase conveys not only the determination of “Let’s do our best again this year,” but also a considerate feeling of “I want us to work hard together.” It gives off a powerful sense that says, “They’re working hard too— I can’t fall behind!”—a push on the back.

It’s an easy phrase to send both to people you interact with regularly and to those you only exchange New Year’s cards with, delivering a gentle touch of thoughtfulness in a single line.

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Wishing you a year even better than your fortune slip!

Some of you probably went for your first shrine visit of the year and drew an omikuji.

If your fortune wasn’t so great, you might be feeling a bit uneasy about the new year.

In that case, how about adding this line to your New Year’s card? Instead of saying “happy” or “fun,” try “better than your omikuji.” It shows a nice touch of wit, and it conveys your wish for their happiness in a light, cheerful way without sounding too formal.

If you’d like to add a memorable one-liner to your New Year’s card, feel free to use it.

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sasashina

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May gentle times come your way again this year.

Gentle moments that nourish the heart are essential in life, aren’t they? Not only being treated kindly by others, but also taking good care of yourself can become precious time that soothes a tired mind and body.

How about adding some heartfelt words to your New Year’s card, wishing for such moments to come? It’s a message that conveys your concern and your hope that they enjoy peaceful days.

Since many people are busy around the New Year, please use your card to remind them: “Take good care of yourself.”

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sasashina

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A One-Line Message to Add to Your New Year’s Card! Ideas for Writing That Convey Your Feelings to Friends (21–30)

May your unique brilliance shine even brighter this year.

This phrase carries a message encouraging people to value their true selves.

Everyone shines in their own way, and there’s no need to feel down just because you can’t do things the same way as others.

Polishing your unique strengths and letting them shine is surely the shortcut to success.

If you want to send a positive message that’s empathetic to the recipient’s feelings, feel free to add this phrase.

Let’s believe in ourselves, keep shining in the new year, and make our days even better.

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sasashina

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