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These messaging apps will help you wish someone a Merry Christmas*

*If you want to go a step further than sending a generic text message, that is.

CONSIDERING WE’RE ONLY a few days away, there’s going to be a lot of messages of good will sent around the world between now and New Year’s Day.

Not everyone is going to see each other in person so the next best thing is to send a Christmas message. Whether you want to go for the generic ‘Merry Christmas’ tweet or go a step further, here are the most popular messaging apps that can help you do this.

WhatsApp
For: iOS, Android, Windows Phone

One of the most popular instant messaging apps out there, WhatsApp isn’t as flashy as the others in this list, but it’s still one of the most reliable services out there. Always reliable and to the point, the service is always there should you need to send a quick message.

Whatsapp WhatsApp / Google Play WhatsApp / Google Play / Google Play

Instagram
For: iOS, Android, Windows Phone

As a messaging app, Instagram Direct always felt like a tacked on idea despite the hype around it, and has struggled to take off when compared to its more illustrious rivals. However, it would certainly be a nice surprise to share a photo taken specifically for them, and the range of filters and editing tools allows you to put some effort into it.


Instagram / Vimeo

Viber
For: iOS, Android, Windows Phone

Another popular instant messaging app. Viber’s main appeal is it’s focused on voice calls and while it has instant messaging and stickers to send, it’s the strongest features on it.

Viber Viber / Windows Phone Viber / Windows Phone / Windows Phone

Skype
For: iOS, Android, Windows Phone

Honestly, you can’t beat some of the classics and as far as video messaging is concerned, there are few that can beat Skype. The obvious issue is making sure both parties are able to take a call, but once that’s sorted, you can chat away or settle for instant messaging.

Skype / YouTube

Snapchat
For: iOS, Android

The self-destructing photo and video app is handy for quick messages, and for some impromptu art should your photo lack the sufficient amount of festiveness. Actually, it’s the art and drawing that will make your photosstand out from others messages of good will.

Snapchat / YouTube

Line
For: iOS, Android, Windows Phone

The cooler version of Snapchat, Line is more popular with those in Asia and it’s likely if you have some friends working over there, they’re using it. Stickers, voice calls, instant messages, videos and other features show you why it’s so popular.

LINE Global / YouTube

Vine
For: iOS, Android, Windows Phone

Like Instagram, another example of an app thattacked on a direct message feature without much thought, but even if you don’t have much creativity, putting together a six second video is easy, especially since you can now upload (and edit) videos directly.


Vine / Vimeo

Facebook Messenger
For: 
iOS, Android, Windows Phone

Considering how many people have Facebook already, it’s not a bad idea to use the messaging service that comes included with it. Everything you associate with Facebook’s messaging service is included here alongside some additional features like voice messages, photos and videosmakes it more useful than you think.

Facebook Messenger Facebook Newsroom Facebook Newsroom

Read: Don’t have time to make it to the shops? These digital gifts may help you out >

Read: One in six Irish people have NEVER used the internet >

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8 Comments
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    Mute Getyercoat
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    Apr 20th 2014, 6:42 PM

    Strangest headline ever.

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    Mute Brian Flynn
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    Apr 20th 2014, 6:48 PM

    Agreed. Should read “Excellent arrest by Gardai after Robbery incident in Artane”.

    Well done!

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    Mute Drama Dave
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    Apr 20th 2014, 7:02 PM

    A man walks into a Dublin petrol station. He robs a yellow cylinder and leaves by the back door. He is stopped by a routine garda patrol who ask him: “What did you do that for?” To which he replies: “Ah boys, sure i only did it for the gas.”

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    Mute ThomasFrancisMeagher
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    Apr 20th 2014, 7:49 PM

    Sad thing is that the same gurrier will probably be arrested again tomorrow or the day after for a similar offence & when eventually charged will get a suspended sentence ….. and go on to reoffend again & again. Time for our judicial system to start being fit for purpose & handing down proper sentences & time for a jail to be built to keep these gurriers away from the good people in society.

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    Mute Chris Mcdonnell
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    Apr 21st 2014, 9:50 AM

    Or maybe “tax collectors on way to set up speed trap catch thief”
    Sub heading ” government enquiry to be set up as to why money collectors were stopping crime rather than making money” two guards to be suspended.

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    Mute Pete L Tímoni
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    Apr 21st 2014, 10:24 AM

    Someone clearly
    has the hump. They do their job and u still have a go. If u don’t like being done for speeding then don’t speed!! Your clearly well aware that it could happen. So , believe it or not, you have the choice to avoid it by slowing down.

    20
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    Mute Gizmo mac
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    Apr 20th 2014, 6:45 PM

    All those who slate the guards are probably sittin on their h#les eatin Easter eggs today while those lads out on the front line are lookin after us! Thanks lads, yere management have let ye down but you guys in the cold face are doin a great job!

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    Mute Gizmo mac
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    Apr 20th 2014, 6:50 PM

    Coal face

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    Mute enda nolan
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    Apr 20th 2014, 6:52 PM

    It’s the corrupt element in the guards let them down

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    Mute Gizmo mac
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    Apr 20th 2014, 6:55 PM

    I alluded to that fact.

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    Mute enda nolan
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    Apr 20th 2014, 6:56 PM

    Your saying management let them down it’s not management only

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    Mute Gizmo mac
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    Apr 20th 2014, 7:00 PM

    To a large extent yes.

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    Mute enda nolan
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    Apr 20th 2014, 7:24 PM

    It’s not management that has let them down its corrupt garda the ones on the coal face as you call them I m not saying all garda are corrupt but there s an element through the force nation wide that are it all can’t be blamed on management

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    Mute Gizmo mac
    Favourite Gizmo mac
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    Apr 20th 2014, 7:29 PM

    You’re talkin some rot there lad. It doesn’t even make any sense, where’s your evidence to support this rogue element?

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    Mute enda nolan
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    Apr 20th 2014, 7:34 PM

    Enda kenny came out last week says he has 36 cases to go through the Ian bailey case fr Molloy Ming says he has being told of more cases you watch fella it’s not just going be one or two cases

    30
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    Mute Gizmo mac
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    Apr 20th 2014, 7:40 PM

    Some very reliable sources there buddy!!

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    Mute enda nolan
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    Apr 20th 2014, 7:45 PM

    Which of them is unreliable

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    Mute Montys Moonshine
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    Apr 20th 2014, 7:50 PM

    I think you’ll find enda, that the complaints are coming from guards and are about senior management. You’re all mixed up kid

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    Mute Gizmo mac
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    Apr 20th 2014, 7:54 PM

    Enda put away your baileys Easter egg your headeen is melted!!

    78
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    Mute enda nolan
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    Apr 20th 2014, 7:59 PM

    You think it’s all done by senior management your joking your selves

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    Mute Dan Slevin
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    Apr 20th 2014, 8:33 PM

    Not bein pedantic but is it not “coal face” great comment though

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    Mute executioner
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    Apr 20th 2014, 8:37 PM

    You seem to be like one of those keyboard experts who has an opinion on every story on the journal,Public servant are we? Either that or on the scratcher must be great to have so much time to spout bs.

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    Mute Brian Flynn
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    Apr 20th 2014, 9:20 PM

    Sorry Enda you lost me at Ming!

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    Mute Patrice Lelookcoco
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    Apr 20th 2014, 10:12 PM

    Gizmo, Enda. Get a room. Yawn..

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    Mute Andy
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    Apr 21st 2014, 5:25 AM

    Enda, does your keyboard not have any fullstops / commas? Or are you simply incapable of punctuation?

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    Mute Jason Ebbs
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    Apr 20th 2014, 6:45 PM

    And who said “the Gardaí are never around when you need them” !!

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    Mute mark ryan
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    Apr 20th 2014, 7:57 PM

    Fair f$$$in play to the guards, height of respect for the ones actually out walkin the streets of this dangerous city every day.

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    Mute TOP CAT
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    Apr 20th 2014, 6:52 PM

    Another master criminal of the streets….
    These criminals are getting thicker by the day.
    Fair play to the Gardai for getting him..

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    Mute cosmological
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    Apr 20th 2014, 6:51 PM

    If there were more patrols you’d get more of this. Funding, again, a priority.

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    Mute Chris Mcdonnell
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    Apr 21st 2014, 9:54 AM

    Hang on if we caught more criminals it would cost a fortune in free legal aid, not to mention the cost of a trail and the cost of pretending to lock them up after sentencing.
    It’s much better to have less guards and let the filth rob and steal all they as long as stay out of certain areas.

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    Mute aido m
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    Apr 20th 2014, 7:40 PM

    10-1 he has many previous convictions .is known to the gardai .and will be back in the streets in a day if not hours due to our TOP CLASS judicial system.well done to the guards but they must seriously get frustrated at times ,don’t know how they do it

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    Mute Kenneth Hickey
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    Apr 20th 2014, 8:45 PM

    Well done to the Gardai involved and thank you.

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    Mute Eagle eye
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    Apr 20th 2014, 7:26 PM

    Enda you numpty, I’m sure his point was that this is what most Gardai do everyday, facing down armed criminals with a baton while people like you tar the whole force over the actions of tiny percentage who let them down

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    Mute enda nolan
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    Apr 20th 2014, 8:07 PM

    Did I tar them all I said a corrupt element in the guards how is that tarring them all

    19
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    Mute Danny Swan
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    Apr 20th 2014, 8:04 PM

    Why didn’t you become one so or are you too stupid or windy

    26
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    Mute mark ryan
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    Apr 20th 2014, 8:06 PM

    Is that aimed at me?

    12
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    Mute Kieran brennan
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    Apr 20th 2014, 7:42 PM

    Sure it’s Easter Sunday. The place will be full of guards for the OT.

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    Mute Aireach
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    Apr 21st 2014, 1:51 AM

    Kieran you are a poorly informed fool.

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    Mute Luke Vogelsang
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    Apr 20th 2014, 7:43 PM

    For once the guards’ are around when needed!!!!

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    Mute Alan De Morrighan
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    Apr 21st 2014, 2:23 AM

    Just wondering if bladed implement is a politically correct term for slash hook?

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    Mute Kieran Cahill Denise Cuddihy
    Favourite Kieran Cahill Denise Cuddihy
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    Apr 21st 2014, 12:47 AM

    And then she said,she said who the fook cares and that was the end of that…..

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    Mute Rusty3578 ^
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    Apr 20th 2014, 8:05 PM

    Sure I don’t blame him he needed money !

    6
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