What if she kept her own last name?

Write both in full, on one line if they fit: Mr. John Smith and Ms. Mary Jones. Either name can go first.

What if they live together but aren't married?

Write each person's full name, on one line if it fits.

How do I handle a last name ending in s, x or ch?

Add es, so the Joneses, the Foxes and the Finches. When in doubt, The Jones Family avoids the question.

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How do you address a Christmas card to a family, a couple or a widow?

Q: How do you address a Christmas card to a family, a couple or a widow?

The Smiths, no apostrophe. Common practice for a family is The Smiths, or The Smith Family if you'd rather, with an s or es and no apostrophe, so The Joneses. For a couple, Mr. and Mrs. John Smith is the traditional form. For a widow, Mrs. John Smith is the traditional form if you don't know her preference, and Mrs. Mary Smith or Ms. Mary Smith is right if that's what she uses.

The Smiths, no apostrophe

Common practice for a family is The Smiths, or The Smith Family if you'd rather, with an s or es and no apostrophe, so The Joneses. For a couple, Mr. and Mrs. John Smith is the traditional form. For a widow, Mrs. John Smith is the traditional form if you don't know her preference, and Mrs. Mary Smith or Ms. Mary Smith is right if that's what she uses.

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Christmas cards

What should I write in a Christmas card?

What do you write in a Christmas card to someone who is grieving?

When should you send thank-you notes after Christmas?

Are Christmas letters still welcome, and how long should one be?

Is it okay to send a Christmas card by text or email?

What if she kept her own last name?: Write both in full, on one line if they fit: Mr. John Smith and Ms. Mary Jones. Either name can go first.
What if they live together but aren't married?: Write each person's full name, on one line if it fits.
How do I handle a last name ending in s, x or ch?: Add es, so the Joneses, the Foxes and the Finches. When in doubt, The Jones Family avoids the question.

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Last checked Monday, November 9.

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