25 advent calendar messages you can copy
The hard part of a message advent calendar is writing 25 of them. These are short enough to fit a 140 character door, grouped by who you are writing to. Copy the ones that fit, change the names, and put them in a Hollyhush gift calendar for $7.99.
$7.99 each, 3 for $17.99. Opens December 1. US and Canada, one payment.
How to write a good door message
- Be specific, like the plan in the long distance advent calendar. A name, a place or a detail makes it yours. "Remember the camper with the broken heater?" does more than "Merry Christmas".
- Keep it under 140 characters. That is about two short sentences.
- Give each message a job: a memory, a compliment, a plan, a question, a joke.
- Put the best one on day 25.
- The gift calendar takes up to 25 of these, one per door. For a child, see calendars for kids.
Done drafting? Paste them into a gift calendar. Write a gift calendar
Rules for what you can put in a Hollyhush door
Text only: no photos, voice notes or links. Messages are refused if they contain a link, an email address, a phone number, unkind words, or something that looks like a child's age, address or school. If one is refused, the page tells you which door and why. Write a name or a place in words rather than a number.
Putting 25 messages into a calendar
- Draft all 25 in a note first. Count characters on the longest ones.
- Open the gift calendar page and enter the first name of the person who will open it.
- Paste one message per door. Leave a door empty if you have nothing; the characters still appear.
- Pay $7.99 and send the private link. They open day 1 on December 1.
For a partner
Warm without being a speech.
Our first apartment had one working burner and we still made it work. Dinner is on me when we are back in one place.
Three things I like about you today: your laugh in the car, your terrible puns, the way you check on everyone.
Tonight, same movie, same time, two cities. Pick it and text me the title.
Merry Christmas. Best thing about this year: you. Open the present I mailed you.
You always remember the little things I forget. Today I remembered to say thank you.
Pick a recipe for us to try together. I promise to do the washing up, even if dinner goes wrong.
I saved our favorite walking route for when you get back. Bring a warm coat; I will bring the snacks.
For kids and grandkids
Short, silly and easy to read aloud.
Grandpa saw a squirrel in a tiny scarf today. Do squirrels have scarves? Tell me what you think.
Today's job: draw a snowman wearing something very weird. Show me on our next call.
Nana needs your help: invent a name for a reindeer who keeps losing its scarf. Tell me on our next call.
Tomorrow is the big day. Tonight, leave a snack out and brush your teeth. I love you to the moon.
Can you make up a joke about a snowman? Save the punchline for our next call.
Build a tiny blanket fort today. Invite your favorite toy in and tell it a Christmas story.
For friends
Inside jokes beat greeting-card lines.
Reminder that you once tried to carry six drinks at once and I have never let it go. Proud of you.
Door 13: a very unlucky number, so here is a lucky thing. You are the friend who shows up with soup.
Rank your top three holiday snacks. I will check them against mine and we will argue about it.
The year had a lot of rough days. You were in the good ones. Thanks for that.
Send me the song that makes you think of our last trip. Mine is still stuck in my head.
Your door today is a standing invitation to tea and a long chat. You choose the day.
For coworkers or a team
Warm but safe for work.
Shout out to someone on the team who made your week easier. Post their name in the channel.
Share a photo of your desk plant, mug or the thing on your wall. No explanation required.
Take a real lunch today. Away from the screen. Tell us what you ate.
One thing we should keep doing next year, one thing we should drop. Reply in the thread.
What is one small thing a teammate taught you this year? Share it and thank them.
Pick a holiday song for the team playlist. A questionable choice is welcome if you can defend it.
Frequently asked questions
How long can an advent calendar message be?
In a Hollyhush gift calendar, up to 140 characters per door, which is about two short sentences. You can fill up to 25 doors.
What should I write in an advent calendar for my boyfriend or girlfriend?
Mix specific memories, things you noticed lately, plans for when you meet and one or two honest thank-yous. The examples above are written for a partner and a long-distance partner.
Can I use emojis?
Plain text works best. Keep your messages to words you can read aloud so they work on any phone.
Can I add a photo behind a door?
No. Hollyhush doors hold text only. Describe the memory in words instead, and send photos in a normal text.
Can I write messages for a child?
Yes. A parent or other adult aged 18 or over should write them. Do not put a child's age, address or school in a message; those are refused.
A 3D advent calendar with your words in it
A private link to a 25-door calendar. You write what is behind each door and they open one a day from December 1.
Write a gift calendar- $7.99 each, 3 for $17.99
- Team calendar $79 for up to 50 people
- US and Canada, one payment, no subscription
Ready when you are
Write the messages, pay $7.99 and send the link. They open one door a day from December 1. US and Canada.