70+ Merry Christmas: beautiful postcards, pictures

Christmas is one of the most important church holidays for Orthodox believers, marking the birth of the Son of God. He gathers families at the same table, makes them slow down the passage of time and turn to eternal values: faith, love and mercy. Izvestia has prepared touching greetings and postcards that can be shared on the messengers MAX, Telegram, WhatsApp (owned by Meta, a company recognized as extremist in Russia) and other social networks.

Beautiful Orthodox Christmas Greeting Cards – 2026

In Russia and some other countries, Christmas is celebrated annually on January 7th. For Orthodox believers, this day is considered the second most important after Easter. In the Catholic tradition, on the contrary, Christmas is the main celebration of the year.

According to the Gospel, Christ was born more than two millennia ago in the Jewish city of Bethlehem. The Blessed Virgin Mary and the righteous Joseph arrived there to participate in the population census, but could not find an overnight stay in the city. Because of this, the holy couple had to stay in a cave where a manger for cattle was located. It was there, in a simple and humble setting, that the Savior was born.

The birth of Jesus was preceded by an ancient prophecy. After his arrival in the world, a new star was lit in the sky, later named the Bethlehem star. Her light led to the newborn Messiah of the Magi (Eastern sages). They brought the Infant of God gold as a king, frankincense as a God, and myrrh as a man who was about to suffer on the cross.

However, the joyful event was overshadowed by the cruelty of King Herod. Having learned from the Magi about the birth of the new "King of Judea," fearing for his power, he ordered the killing of all male infants under two years of age in Bethlehem and its environs. But the righteous Joseph, warned by an angel, managed to take the family to Egypt. They remained there until the death of King Herod.

Christmas is one of the oldest church holidays. It was celebrated back in the 3rd century. At the same time, initially in the East, the celebration in honor of the birth of Christ was combined with the memory of the Baptism of the Lord (Epiphany). It was only in the second half of the fourth century that these two events were separated: Christmas was assigned the date of December 25 according to the Julian calendar (which corresponds to January 7 according to the modern Gregorian calendar), and Epiphany — January 6 (January 19 according to the new style).

In Russia, Christmas began to be celebrated as early as the tenth century, immediately after the adoption of Christianity in the country. However, until the 19th century, the holiday was not accompanied by mass festivities. The tradition of putting elegant Christmas trees in houses, putting gifts under them, arranging fairs and festive balls came from Europe in the time of Peter I. With the advent of Soviet power, Christmas symbols, as well as the holiday itself, were banned. It was only in 1991 that Christmas officially returned to the lives of Russians.

Christmas is preceded by strict fasting, which begins on November 28 and ends on January 6, on Christmas Eve. This day is spent in particularly strict abstinence, and in the evening they sit down to a lenten meal. The main dish of the table is sochivo: boiled wheat or rice with honey, nuts and raisins. At night, solemn divine services are held in churches, where believers glorify the birth of Christ. After the service, it's time for a festive feast.

In the old days, Christmas carols were sung — songs glorifying Christ and the Virgin. Carolers dressed up in costumes of animals or fairy-tale characters, went from house to house and congratulated the owners, wishing them happiness and well-being. For this, they were treated to sweets or presented with small coins. Today, this custom has been preserved mainly in villages.

Christmas opens the Yuletide period, which lasts until Epiphany (January 19). During this time, believers visit relatives, invite friends to visit, and do charity work. In Russia, there was a tradition of Yuletide fortune-telling. And although the church condemns any means of predicting the future, this custom persists to this day. Unmarried girls often wonder in the hope of finding out what their spouse will be like.

Christmas is a time to give warmth and joy to your loved ones. On this day, people visit, congratulate each other, wish health, well-being and God's blessing. Special attention is paid to children, for whom matinees are organized and gifts are given. One of the easiest ways to wish your family a Merry Christmas is to send them a greeting card. Izvestia has prepared a selection of themed pictures and warm wishes.

Merry Christmas Greetings – 2026 in prose

"My dear ones, have a wonderful Christmas! May the Star of Bethlehem light up your home on this wonderful evening, filling it with unearthly peace, warmth and hope! I wish that faith would always live in my soul, giving me strength, that my heart would be open to love and mercy, and that life would become more blessed and joyful every day!"

"I cordially congratulate you on Christmas! This holiday reminds us of the most important thing: the triumph of goodness, light and eternal love. May the miracle of this day touch your heart, give you peace of mind and strengthen your faith in the best! I wish you and your loved ones good health, inexhaustible optimism, well-being and the quiet, pure joy that comes with Christmas morning!"

"I sincerely congratulate you on the great and bright holiday of Christmas! May there always be comfort, prosperity and mutual understanding between all household members in your home! I wish that every new day brings only good news, and that peace and harmony live in your heart. May this holiday be the beginning of a white streak in a life filled with happy events, pleasant meetings and the fulfillment of your most cherished desires!"

"Dear friends, Merry Christmas! May this day fill your hearts with special, unearthly grace and childlike faith in miracles! I wish that love and kindness become your constant companions, and all worries and sorrows are in the past. May there be only joyful events waiting for you in the new year, success accompanies you in all your endeavors, and the health of your loved ones will be strong! Peace, light and warmth to your family!"

"Congratulations on one of the kindest and brightest holidays — Christmas! Let everyone feel on this day how important it is to be with your family, appreciate simple moments and believe in a miracle! I wish your home to be a full bowl, and harmony reigned in your soul. May the angels keep your children's sleep, and may wisdom and patience help them overcome any difficulties! I wish you happiness and God's blessing!"

"I am very happy to wish you a Merry Christmas! This holiday gives us the opportunity to stop, look back and thank God for all the gifts. I wish you to have more bright days, sincere smiles and moments of real happiness in your life. May faith warm your soul, hope lead you forward, and love fill every moment! Health, peace and peace of mind to you and your loved ones!"

"My dear ones, have a wonderful and blessed Christmas! I wish joy and peace to settle in your heart forever, and life was like a good fairy tale with a wonderful ending. May the Lord send your family strength of spirit, material well-being and many reasons for sincere joy!"

"Merry Christmas from the bottom of my heart! May the light of the Star of Bethlehem show you the way to happiness and harmony! I wish that love, understanding and mutual respect reign in your home, and that the most dear people always gather at the table. May this year be generous with good events, meetings with good friends and fulfillment of cherished desires! Health, strength and inexhaustible optimism!"

"Happy great Christmas! May this day bring a sense of wonder and divine grace into your life! I wish your faith to be as strong as a rock, hope as bright as the dawn, and love as boundless as the sky. May there always be peace in the family, children delight with their successes, and every new day brings something good! God's blessing on all your labors and endeavors!"

"Dear brothers and sisters, Merry Christmas! May the joy of this bright holiday fill every corner of your home, and long-awaited peace reign in your soul! I wish that you never lose faith in goodness and justice, find the strength to help others and always feel the support of the Lord. I wish you good health, mental strength, prosperity and an unquenchable fire in your heart!"

"Congratulations on one of the most important and touching holidays of the year! Christmas is a time when the boundaries between heaven and earth are blurred, and hearts are opened to a miracle. I wish you to feel this grace, to become kinder and wiser. Let happy laughter sound in your home, and all adversities avoid it! Peace, kindness and endless prosperity!"

"With great joy in my heart, I congratulate you on the bright feast of the Nativity of Christ! I wish your life to be filled with meaning and bright moments, and there will always be those who will support and understand. May the Lord preserve your health, grant you wisdom in making decisions, and send only loyal and kind people on your way!"

"My dears, Merry Christmas! May the magic of this evening bring long-awaited peace to your home, and hearts will be filled with warmth and tenderness! I wish that all the most cherished things come true, and every morning began with good news and the smiles of loved ones. May your family be a strong home front, work is enjoyable, and your soul always has its own little star of hope in Bethlehem!"

"I sincerely congratulate you on a great and wonderful holiday! Christmas teaches us faith, humility and love. May these virtues become a guiding thread in your life! I wish my health would not fail, things would be argued, and an atmosphere of trust and support reigned in the family. May the guardian angel not take a single step away, protecting you from all evil!"

"I cordially wish you a Merry Christmas! May the light of this holiday dispel all clouds of doubt and sadness, illuminate your path to happiness and well-being! I wish your house was full, and the table was full of treats not only on holidays, but also on weekdays. Let children make you happy, friends help you out, and love only gets stronger over the years!"

"Dear friends, have a wonderful Christmas! This day reminds us that a miracle is possible, but hope dies last. I wish that you would never be disappointed in life, find the strength to rise after a fall and always see the light at the end of the tunnel. May your hearts be light, your thoughts pure, and your deeds good!"

"Merry Christmas! May this bright holiday become the starting point of a new, happy life for you! I wish that birds were singing in my soul, and the weather was always clear outside the window. May luck accompany you in all your endeavors, finances do not run out, and love and mutual understanding reign in the family! God bless you and the Most Holy Theotokos!"

"I congratulate you on one of the most important Orthodox holidays! Christmas is a time to collect stones and build a solid foundation for your family. I wish your foundation to be indestructible, the walls of your house to be warm, and the roof to reliably protect you from any storms. May there be many reasons in your life for sincere joy and pride in your loved ones!"

"My dear ones, Merry Christmas! May this day give you a feeling of flight, lightness and boundless faith in the best! I wish you to learn to appreciate every moment, to give warmth without reserve and to forgive from the bottom of your heart. May your dreams come true, your plans come true, and your health allows you to enjoy it all to the fullest!"

"I heartily congratulate you on the blessed holiday of Christmas! May the angelic singing that sounds in the temples that night echo in your soul, filling it with peace! I wish you to find joy in simple things: in the smile of a child, in the care of parents, in the support of a spouse. May the Lord bless your family for many years, granting prosperity and strong faith!"

"Merry Christmas! This holiday is like a breath of fresh air in the whirl of everyday life. I wish that you could always take such a sip, gain strength and go on with your head held high. May your life be filled with interesting events, meetings with good people and opportunities for growth! Health, happiness and peace of mind!"

"Congratulations on the great holiday that brings light and hope to our world! Christmas teaches us to look at life with optimism. I wish that this optimism never leaves you, helping you overcome difficulties and enjoy your victories. May your home always smell of happiness, delicious pies and pine needles! Well-being, love and fulfillment of your innermost desires!"

"Dear brothers and sisters, Merry Christmas! May God's mercy never leave you for a moment, and your prayer will be answered! I wish you to go through life with a light heart and a clear conscience, leaving only a kind trace behind. May your children grow up in love and piety, and old age will be quiet and dignified! Fortitude, bodily health and peace of mind!"

"I sincerely congratulate you on the holiday that unites millions of hearts! Christmas is a bridge between the past and the future, between people and God. I wish you to always feel the strength of this bridge under your feet. May your life be full and bright, like a Christmas star, and respect and devotion reign in the family! Happiness, health and inexhaustible inspiration!"

"I cordially wish you a Merry Christmas! May this day be the starting point for you in a year full of discoveries and achievements! I wish that you are not afraid to dream big and have the courage to realize these dreams. May luck be your faithful companion, and your loved ones always believe in you and support you! Peace, prosperity, and God's blessings on all your labors!"

"My dear ones, merry and wonderful Christmas! May the warmth of this holiday warm you on the coldest days, and the memories of it will warm your soul all year round! I wish that you always find time for quiet joy, for a heart-to-heart conversation and for helping those who need it. May your family be an island of safety and unconditional love in this world! Good health, patience and wisdom!"

"Congratulations on the great and bright holiday! Christmas is a time when you can start over with a clean slate. I wish that only happy stories were written on your new life sheet. Let music sound in your home, tangerines smell, and a festive atmosphere reigns not only on January 7th! Prosperity, joy and long life in good health!"

"It is with great joy that I wish you a Merry Christmas! May the grace that descends to earth on this day touch every member of your family! I wish that your prayers were heard, your labors were appreciated, and your love was reciprocated. May you always be surrounded by sincere and loyal people who are ready to help at any moment! Light, goodness and divine guidance on all paths!"

"Dear friends, Merry Christmas! This holiday reminds us of the power of humility and the greatness of simplicity. I wish you to be able to find happiness in small things and appreciate what you have. May your life be stable and predictable in the good sense of the word, and surprises are only pleasant! I wish you a strong family, success in your work and peace of mind!"

"I heartily congratulate you on the blessed holiday of Christmas! May your faith be as strong as an oak tree, and your hope as bright as a flame! I wish you never knew what loneliness and despair are. May your days be filled with meaning, and your nights with restful sleep! Good health to you and your family, material prosperity and joy!"

"I cordially congratulate you on a Merry Christmas! May this day give you a sense of security and confidence in the future! I wish you to let go of the old with ease and welcome the new with joy. May your children enjoy success, parents live a long time, and spring always reigns in your own soul! Peace, love and blessed changes!"

"Merry Christmas! May the miracle of the birth of Christ inspire you to do good deeds and good thoughts! I wish you to become a source of light and warmth for others. Let your talents unfold, ideas come true, and every day brings a small but significant victory! Happiness, prosperity and God's blessing in every business!"

"My dear ones, have a great and joyful holiday! Christmas is a day when even the air feels special. I wish you to breathe deeply, love with all your heart and believe without a shadow of doubt. May your family be big and friendly, and may your house be open to guests!"

"I sincerely wish you a Merry Christmas! May the wisdom of this holiday guide you, and its light illuminate even the darkest moments of your life! I wish you to always remain yourself, not be afraid to be weak and be able to ask for help. May the Lord send you peace of mind, physical strength and mental clarity! Well-being and joy that no amount of money can buy!"

"I cordially congratulate you on the holiday that makes us kinder! Christmas is a time when you want to embrace the whole world. I wish that this feeling never leaves you. May your hands always be ready for work and help, and your heart for compassion and forgiveness! Peace to your family, good luck in business, and great, pure love!"

Short congratulations on Christmas in 2026

"Merry Christmas! May the guardian angel not leave your side one step, protecting and guiding you! I wish you bright joy in your soul and peace in your heart!"

"Merry Christmas! May this day bring grace to your home and harmony to your life! Happiness and health!"

"Merry Christmas! May the Star of Bethlehem illuminate your path to good luck and well-being1 Peace, kindness and warmth of loved ones!"

"I cordially congratulate you on your holiday! I wish that faith grows stronger, hope does not fade, and love warms every day. Merry Christmas!"

"Merry Christmas! May comfort, prosperity and mutual understanding reign in your home! Good health to you and your loved ones!"

"Merry Christmas! May this holiday fill your soul with quiet happiness and pure joy! God's blessings to you and your family!"

"Congratulations on a great day! May the miracle of Christmas touch all the strings of your soul and fill your heart with light! Peace, kindness and warmth!"

"Merry Christmas! May every new day be generous with good events and pleasant surprises! Good luck and prosperity!"

"Happy holiday! I wish you strong faith, unshakable hope and great love. May the Lord protect your hearth!"

"Merry Christmas! May the angels whisper words of comfort to you, and your loved ones give you their care! Health and family happiness!"

"Heartfelt congratulations! May the Christmas miracle bring peace and harmony to your family! Have a happy holiday!"

"Merry Christmas! I wish there were more reasons to smile in life, and in my heart there is only room for kind feelings!"

"Merry Christmas! May the light of the Star of Bethlehem lead you to the fulfillment of your desires! Joy, kindness and prosperity!"

"Merry Christmas! May this day be the beginning of a white streak in life! I wish you good health and inexhaustible optimism!"

"Merry Christmas! I wish your home to be full, and love and respect to reign in your family. God bless you!"

"Merry Christmas! May your prayer be sincere and your faith be strong! Peace to your home and prosperity!"

"Congratulations on a bright and blessed Christmas! I wish that the Christmas mood stays with you for the whole year. Happiness, warmth and good luck in everything!"

"Merry Christmas! May every moment of your life be filled with meaning and joy! Health to your loved ones and peace of mind to you!"

"I cordially wish you a Merry Christmas! I wish you quiet joy, pure love, good miracles and strong faith. May the angels protect your home from evil, and your dreams from anxiety!"

"Merry Christmas! May the Lord grant you strength for good deeds and wisdom for right decisions! Have a happy holiday!"

"Merry Christmas! I wish my children to be happy, my friends to help me out, and my life to pamper me with pleasant events!"

"Merry Christmas! Let the birds sing in your soul, and your heart will be warm and joyful, like in the manger where Christ was born! Well-being, love and simple human happiness!"

"Congratulations on the great holiday of Christmas! I wish that cherished dreams come true, and plans come true. Peace and kindness to your family!"

"Merry Christmas! May grace and abundance come to your home! Good health and bright hope!"

"Merry Christmas! May luck accompany everything, business is contested, and harmony reigns in the family! All earthly blessings and heavenly grace!"

Earlier, Izvestia shared postcards and congratulations on Christmas Eve.