The 182-year-old tradition that still delights today

It is estimated that we send over 900 million individual holiday cards in the U.K. alone with about 16 cards sent per holiday wisher. The tradition isn't showing signs of waning with surveys showing that those under 34 years old plan to send more cards this season than they sent in the past.

Defying technology

While e-cards have grown in popularity, with approximately 500 million sent annually, many still prefer physical cards especially at Christmas. Cards are seen as a good, tangible way to keep in touch with those we most care about and are considered more personal than a social media post or an e-card. Many are surprised to learn that young adults are embracing sending physical Christmas cards which is boding well for keeping the tradition going. In fact, Millennials are sending out more Christmas cards than a generation ago and even Gen Z and Gen Alpha are jumping on board the trend.

The British send more cards per capita than any other nation. While religious themes dominated many Christmas cards in the 20th century, more secular images have become more popular today which are seen as more inclusive of different people's beliefs. In fact, only about one-third of cards sent today feature a religious theme. While some keep their messages simple with a just a seasonal greeting, others use this annual tradition to update family and friends on their lives by including a newsletter or by crafting a personal message for each recipient. With more families finding it difficult to get together at Christmas, many are sending gift cards along with their personal messages.

Charity Christmas cards are very popular, especially in the UK, with an estimated £50 million per year raised toward their causes from the sales.

Create your own Christmas

While we may focus on technology to assist us in our professional lives, a personal card or letter matters more than a digital communication primarily because it represents a genuine investment of the sender's time and energy. This makes the recipient feel uniquely valued and helps foster a deeper, more meaningful relationship. 

The impact of receiving a Christmas card in the post is tangible and lasting. Many incorporate their Christmas cards into their holiday décor while others may save them as a treasured keepsake. Writing and sending a Christmas card takes an effort. Choosing the right card, putting pen to paper, getting a stamp, taking the cards to the post, all signal that the sender values their relationship with us, and this is felt by the receiver. Studies have shown that there are real psychological benefits, too. Handwriting activates regions of our brains associated with emotion and memory and leaves a long-lasting impression on us. It also encourages mindfulness that builds a calming warmth for both the sender and the receiver. Maybe these are just some of the reasons sending Christmas cards is valued by all generations more than a social media post.

Nadolig Llawen

Christmas is a perfect time to connect with family and friends and express how important they are to us. Finding that perfect Christmas card can be a challenge. We can help. You will find a large variety of beautifully illustrated English, Welsh and bilingual cards, as well as gift wrap, in our Online Shop and in our many high street Shops. Please take a few moments to check out our full range of cards.

Purchasing your holiday cards from Tenovus Cancer Care also has the added benefit of contributing to the love and care we deliver to people affected by cancer all year long. This will certainly guarantee you a spot on Santa's "good" list, don't you think?