How To Give a Good Holiday Toast

Once I went to a wedding and a lot of people decided to stand up to “say a few words”. It ended up being a parade of family members and friends who didn’t understand what a Toast is. In the case of a wedding, you are saying a few sentences to celebrate the couple, make congratulatory remarks or provide well wishes for a happy future. The point is, you say something thoughtful but make it quick.

If you find yourself hosting during the holiday, you might decide to thank your guests for attending in a toast. If you need some simple hints on what to do then read below. Don’t be engraved into your guests memory as the host who turned a toast into a “tight ten’ minute performance.

Is this your first time giving a toast? You can write it out beforehand and read it if you can’t memorize what you want to say. No one expects you to provide a professional level public speech. Just be yourself and follow a few guidelines to shape what you want to share.

Here’s a simple guide to giving a warm, memorable holiday toast—whether it’s for friends, family, or coworkers:

🎄 1. Keep It Short and Warm

Aim for 30–60 seconds. A toast isn’t a speech—it’s a moment of connection.

✨ 2. Start With Gratitude

Acknowledge the people in the room or the occasion:

• “I’m grateful to be here with all of you tonight…”
• “Thank you all for making this year meaningful…”

🤝 3. Add a Personal Touch

Share one small anecdote, reflection, or observation that fits the group and the season.
Example: “This year reminded me how much little acts of kindness matter.”

😂 4. Add Light Humor (Optional)

Gentle, inclusive humor is great. Avoid anything edgy, political, or too personal.
Example: “Here’s to holiday traditions—old ones, new ones, and the ones we pretend we didn’t agree to.”

🌟 5. Look Forward

Offer a note of hope or intention for the coming year:

• “May the next year bring us health, laughter, and time to enjoy both.”

🥂 6. End With a Clear Toast

Lift your glass and wrap it up cleanly:

• “To good company and a great year ahead—cheers!”

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Here is an example of a simple toast, brought to you by ChatGpt.

“I’m so grateful to be gathered together tonight. This season always reminds me that the best gifts aren’t the ones we wrap—they’re the people we share our time with. Thank you all for the laughter, support, and moments—big and small—that made this year brighter.

As we head into a new year, may we carry forward kindness, good health, and the courage to chase what inspires us.

Here’s to warmth, wonder, and the people who make it all meaningful. Cheers!”

Have you ever made a toast?