When you receive a compliment like “Compliments of the season,” responding with a simple, direct, yet thoughtful message can make all the difference. Personally, I’ve found that a warm “thank you” followed by “same to you” or a “happy holidays” works beautifully, whether in a casual chat with friends, family, or a professional note to colleagues and clients. Adding a touch of joyful, friendly, or enthusiastic tone makes your response feel genuine, expressive, and filled with heartfelt appreciation. For example, when Emma received a card from Jake, her smile and “thank you kindly” created a reciprocal, pleasant exchange that brightened the day for both. Similarly, Olivia writing to Ethan with a cheerful, festive, and uplifting message made the holiday feel magical and connected.
To make your best wishes more meaningful, try adding personal, thoughtful, or creative touches. Phrases like “may this season bring you joy,” “love surrounds you,” or “blessings to you and your loved ones” convey gratitude, kindness, and positivity. Using reflective, lighthearted, or even playful words can enhance the festive spirit, whether you’re speaking in-person, via emails, or on social media. I’ve noticed in my own experiences—from Noah greeting his aunt Grace to Michael sending texts to all parties—that a bright, sincere, and uplifting response not only acknowledges the compliment but also strengthens bonds, spreads cheer, and creates memorable moments that everyone can truly appreciate. Adding light, positive energy, and a bit of magic makes your words resonate, leaving everyone feeling joyful, connected, and blessed.
In this guide, you’ll find 30 best responses to “Compliments of the season,” each crafted to help you express yourself with heartfelt sincerity, whether you’re replying to a friend, colleague, or client. These replies blend empathy, respect, and holiday cheer, making your words memorable and deeply appreciated.
1. “Thank you! Wishing you a joyful season as well.”
A simple yet gracious response that mirrors warmth.
Best use: When responding to someone you respect but may not know deeply (like colleagues or acquaintances).
Not to use: When you want to be more personal or emotional.
Other ways to say:
- “Thanks! I wish the same joy for you and your loved ones.”
- “Appreciate it! Hope your season is bright and happy.”
Example:
Friend: “Compliments of the season!”
You: “Thank you! Wishing you a joyful season as well.”
2. “That’s so kind of you! Sending the same warm wishes back your way.”
Perfect when you want to sound friendly and sincere.
Best use: For heartfelt replies with friends or close coworkers.
Not to use: In strictly formal business emails.
Other ways to say:
- “That’s lovely! Hope your holidays are full of peace and happiness.”
- “Thank you! Wishing you the same kindness and joy.”
Example:
“That’s so kind of you! Sending the same warm wishes back your way.”
3. “I appreciate that—may this season bring you everything you hope for.”
This reply adds a personal touch and positive energy.
Best use: When you want to sound genuinely thoughtful.
Not to use: When replying to a casual text—it might sound too formal.
Other ways to say:
- “Thanks! Wishing you all the best this season.”
- “Appreciate your kindness—hope your holidays are full of blessings.”
Example:
“I appreciate that—may this season bring you everything you hope for.”
4. “Thank you so much! Hope your days are merry and bright.”
A classic, cheerful, and instantly recognizable holiday phrase.
Best use: For holiday cards, texts, or friendly exchanges.
Not to use: In professional contexts where informal tone doesn’t fit.
Other ways to say:
- “Thanks! Hope your holidays shine with happiness.”
- “Thank you! Wishing you bright and beautiful moments.”
Example:
“Thank you so much! Hope your days are merry and bright.”
5. “That means a lot—wishing you warmth and joy all season long.”
Warm, heartfelt, and emotionally intelligent.
Best use: For close connections or thoughtful social replies.
Not to use: When brevity is expected (e.g., quick email).
Other ways to say:
- “That’s lovely—sending warmth your way too.”
- “Thank you—may your season be as wonderful as you are.”
Example:
“That means a lot—wishing you warmth and joy all season long.”
6. “Your kind words made my day! Wishing you happiness and peace.”
This shows gratitude and emotional awareness.
Best use: When you want to return kindness with genuine appreciation.
Not to use: When the message needs to stay strictly formal.
Other ways to say:
- “That’s so thoughtful—hope your season’s full of joy.”
- “Appreciate it! Sending peace and smiles your way.”
Example:
“Your kind words made my day! Wishing you happiness and peace.”
7. “Thanks a bunch! Hope the season treats you kindly.”
Relaxed, warm, and a bit playful.
Best use: For informal or friendly interactions.
Not to use: When writing to senior colleagues or formal contacts.
Other ways to say:
- “Thanks so much! Hope your season’s fantastic.”
- “Appreciate it—may your holidays be easy and joyful.”
Example:
“Thanks a bunch! Hope the season treats you kindly.”
8. “I’m touched—sending festive cheer your way too.”
Shows gratitude with elegance.
Best use: For heartfelt, classy responses in messages or letters.
Not to use: When you’re aiming for humor or casualness.
Other ways to say:
- “That’s so sweet—cheers to a joyful season ahead.”
- “Grateful for your words—happy holidays to you too.”
Example:
“I’m touched—sending festive cheer your way too.”
9. “Thank you! May your holidays sparkle with laughter and love.”
A warm and poetic holiday reply.
Best use: For personal messages, cards, or social media.
Not to use: For quick business responses.
Other ways to say:
- “Thanks! Hope your days are filled with joy.”
- “Wishing you laughter, love, and holiday magic.”
Example:
“Thank you! May your holidays sparkle with laughter and love.”
10. “How lovely of you! Wishing you blessings in abundance.”
A gracious and uplifting way to respond.
Best use: For messages where you want to show deep gratitude.
Not to use: In casual group chats—it can feel too formal.
Other ways to say:
- “That’s very thoughtful! Blessings to you too.”
- “So kind of you—hope your season’s overflowing with joy.”
Example:
“How lovely of you! Wishing you blessings in abundance.”
11. “I truly appreciate your kind wishes—thank you so much.”
Shows genuine gratitude and mindfulness.
Best use: For formal emails, client messages, or professional notes.
Not to use: When talking to close friends (can sound stiff).
Other ways to say:
- “Appreciate your kindness—thank you sincerely.”
- “Your message means a lot—thank you!”
Example:
“I truly appreciate your kind wishes—thank you so much.”
12. “That’s so sweet! Hope this season brings you rest and joy.”
Friendly, cozy, and emotionally intelligent.
Best use: When responding to personal messages or texts.
Not to use: For corporate greetings.
Other ways to say:
- “Thank you! May your season be calm and joyful.”
- “So kind—hope you get the rest you deserve.”
Example:
“That’s so sweet! Hope this season brings you rest and joy.”
13. “You’re so thoughtful—sending love and light your way.”
Spiritual and heartfelt, perfect for deep connections.
Best use: For close friends, family, or heartfelt cards.
Not to use: In formal or business settings.
Other ways to say:
- “That’s lovely—love and light to you too.”
- “Thanks! Wishing you calm, love, and peace.”
Example:
“You’re so thoughtful—sending love and light your way.”
14. “Much appreciated! May your new year begin beautifully.”
Blends gratitude and optimism.
Best use: For end-of-year replies.
Not to use: During early festive weeks—it sounds like closure.
Other ways to say:
- “Thanks! Here’s to a bright new year.”
- “Appreciate it—hope the coming year is kind to you.”
Example:
“Much appreciated! May your new year begin beautifully.”
15. “Thanks a lot! I hope you’re surrounded by good vibes this season.”
Modern, fun, and easygoing.
Best use: For peers or casual messages.
Not to use: In very formal correspondence.
Other ways to say:
- “Appreciate it! Wishing you all the good energy.”
- “Thanks! Hope your holidays are chill and cheerful.”
Example:
“Thanks a lot! I hope you’re surrounded by good vibes this season.”
16. “Your message made me smile—thank you!”
Short, honest, and emotionally warm.
Best use: When replying to short or unexpected compliments.
Not to use: When a longer, formal reply is needed.
Other ways to say:
- “That brightened my day—thanks!”
- “You’re kind to say that—thank you.”
Example:
“Your message made me smile—thank you!”
17. “So thoughtful of you! Hope your holidays are magical.”
Adds a touch of holiday charm.
Best use: For festive messages with a touch of whimsy.
Not to use: For strictly formal business communication.
Other ways to say:
- “Thank you! Wishing you a season full of sparkle.”
- “So sweet—hope your days are merry and bright.”
Example:
“So thoughtful of you! Hope your holidays are magical.”
18. “Appreciate the love—sending warm wishes your way too.”
Friendly and heartfelt without being overly formal.
Best use: For peers, clients, or family alike.
Not to use: When you want to sound ultra-professional.
Other ways to say:
- “Thanks! Right back at you.”
- “Grateful for your kindness—sending warmth too.”
Example:
“Appreciate the love—sending warm wishes your way too.”
19. “Thank you! May this season fill your heart with gratitude.”
Gentle, reflective, and spiritually uplifting.
Best use: For deeper, emotional exchanges.
Not to use: When a light, playful tone fits better.
Other ways to say:
- “Appreciate it—hope you find peace and joy this season.”
- “Thank you! Wishing you a heart full of gratitude.”
Example:
“Thank you! May this season fill your heart with gratitude.”
20. “That’s so nice of you—cheers to a beautiful holiday!”
Cheerful and casually festive.
Best use: In friendly texts or casual workplace chats.
Not to use: When the exchange needs emotional depth.
Other ways to say:
- “Thanks! Cheers to the holidays.”
- “Appreciate it—happy holidays to you too!”
Example:
“That’s so nice of you—cheers to a beautiful holiday!”
21. “Thank you kindly—hope your season’s full of blessings.”
Classic and polite, ideal for formal replies.
Best use: In work emails or messages to clients.
Not to use: When talking to close friends—it can feel stiff.
Other ways to say:
- “Thank you—wishing you abundant blessings too.”
- “Grateful for your kind wishes—happy holidays!”
Example:
“Thank you kindly—hope your season’s full of blessings.”
22. “You’re too kind! Hope your holiday spirit stays bright.”
Friendly, charming, and uplifting.
Best use: When you want to keep things lighthearted.
Not to use: In formal settings.
Other ways to say:
- “Thanks so much—keep shining this season.”
- “Appreciate it! Stay festive and happy.”
Example:
“You’re too kind! Hope your holiday spirit stays bright.”
23. “That’s heartwarming—thank you for thinking of me.”
Sincere and emotionally rich.
Best use: When you genuinely feel touched by the greeting.
Not to use: For casual acquaintances.
Other ways to say:
- “So thoughtful of you—thank you!”
- “Your message meant a lot—thanks.”
Example:
“That’s heartwarming—thank you for thinking of me.”
24. “You made my day—thank you! Hope yours is wonderful too.”
Joyful and reciprocal.
Best use: When you want to mirror positivity.
Not to use: When formality is required.
Other ways to say:
- “That made me smile—thanks so much!”
- “You’re lovely—happy holidays!”
Example:
“You made my day—thank you! Hope yours is wonderful too.”
25. “Thank you so much—wishing you peace, love, and laughter always.”
A perfect all-purpose seasonal response.
Best use: For any heartfelt holiday greeting.
Not to use: When humor or brevity would fit better.
Other ways to say:
- “Appreciate your kindness—wishing you joy always.”
- “Thanks! Hope love and peace fill your home.”
Example:
“Thank you so much—wishing you peace, love, and laughter always.”
Conclusion
Responding to “Compliments of the season” is more than polite—it’s a small opportunity to spread warmth, kindness, and connection. Whether you’re replying to a friend, colleague, or stranger, what matters most is authenticity. Speak from the heart, and your words will always feel right.
As someone who has written hundreds of holiday messages (and received quite a few awkward ones), I’ve learned that sincerity beats perfection every time. A short, genuine response can leave a lasting impression that feels truly human and heartfelt.
Editor’s Picks: Top 10 Favorite Responses
- “Thank you! Wishing you warmth and joy all season long.” – Balanced, timeless, and works in all situations.
- “Your kind words made my day! Wishing you happiness and peace.” – Genuine and heart-touching.
- “I appreciate that—may this season bring you everything you hope for.” – Thoughtful and reflective.
- “So thoughtful of you! Hope your holidays are magical.” – Perfect for personal connections.
- “Thank you kindly—hope your season’s full of blessings.” – Graceful and professional.
- “That’s so sweet! Hope this season brings you rest and joy.” – Warm and relatable.
- “You’re so thoughtful—sending love and light your way.” – Deep and spiritual.
- “Thanks a bunch! Hope the season treats you kindly.” – Casual yet kind.
- “I’m touched—sending festive cheer your way too.” – Elegant and polite.
- “Thank you so much—wishing you peace, love, and laughter always.” – The perfect all-rounder.
