What to Record: 30 Christmas Voice Message Ideas

The short answer: the best voice messages are short, personal and say something only that person would say — a child's own "Merry Christmas," a grandparent's favorite saying, a song you always sing together. Aim for 15 to 30 seconds, say the year, and say who it's for.

Ideas for kids to record

  1. "Merry Christmas, Grandma! I love you this much!"
  2. Their age and the year: "I'm 4 and it's Christmas 2026."
  3. What they asked Santa for this year.
  4. One line of their favorite Christmas song.
  5. Their name for each family member, in their own words.
  6. A giggle and "Ho ho ho!"
  7. What they love most about Christmas.
  8. A thank-you to the person receiving the gift.

Ideas for grandparents to record

  1. The phrase they always say at Christmas dinner.
  2. A short blessing or grace.
  3. "I'm proud of you" — said by name.
  4. A memory of a Christmas from when they were young.
  5. The first line of a family recipe, the way they always say it.
  6. A carol they sang to the grandkids.
  7. Goodnight, the way they say it at sleepovers.
  8. A wish for the year ahead.

Ideas when you can't be home for Christmas

  1. "I'm not there, but I'm with you. Merry Christmas."
  2. A message for the moment they open presents.
  3. A toast they can play at the table.
  4. A message from a parent serving or working far away.
  5. A countdown: "Three, two, one… Merry Christmas!"
  6. A short story or joke only your family gets.

Ideas for couples and close friends

  1. The words from your first Christmas together.
  2. "Our first Christmas in our new home."
  3. A message for a new baby's first Christmas.
  4. A promise for next Christmas.
  5. The song from your first dance, hummed.
  6. A thank-you for this year.
  7. A message to open on Christmas Eve.
  8. Simply: "I love you. Merry Christmas."

How do you get a clear recording?

  • Record in a quiet room, with the TV and music off.
  • Speak close to the microphone. On the Merry Message™ it's in the base.
  • Write it down first and keep it under 30 seconds.
  • For little ones, say it together first, then let them say it alone.
  • Listen back once. If it's not right, record over it.

Why record a voice instead of a card?

Voices change: a child's voice at four won't sound the same at six. A card keeps the words; a recording keeps how they sounded. That's why voice keepsakes are often brought out again every December.

Record yours in a Merry Message™ · How it works