I have read a couple of articles this holiday season that are proposing that it is just a matter of time before the demise of Christmas and holiday cards — really?!
I am posting this because ONE, I know that cards are a big part of some photographer’s year-end business and TWO, on a personal level, I am a little skeptical. This year probably saw a reduction in the number of cards sent (year-over-year) but I think that is more the results of the economic environment and the associated effort individuals are putting into their jobs to retain them.
Others are putting forth that the Christmas and holiday cards are being Grinch-efied because a paper card is viewed as ” . . . wasteful, impersonal, and bad for the environment . . .” on top of the tough economic times. Time Magazine ran an article titled “The Beginning of the End for Christmas Cards?” They cited in their article that a BankRate post stiplulated that ” . . . an e-card is mentioned frequently as a free alternative to ye olde Christmas card. Their “selling” points . . . They’re free, don’t require postage and no one has to wash their hands after opening them. Some even play music, making them a fun, free way to catch up with far-flung friends and family.”
Some of the other articles speak to the rise of social media. Social media allows more people to stay in touch in real-time which helps with the rationalization to not send cards. Catherine Taylor, in a Social Media Insider blog post, says “The [social media] system could use some improvement, since my Mom isn’t yet on Twitter, and for whatever reason, Facebook hasn’t yet suggested that I friend any of my cousins. However, the way things are going, I probably won’t need Christmas cards, instead replacing them in the future with YouTube Christmas greetings, . . . blog, . . . ” Although, this is a little tongue and cheek — there is a set of data points that could let you surmise the demise of “the card.”
I, for one, don’t think there is a trend — although I am not Gen X, Y or Millennial. I do think it is a great exercise to stay in touch with those you care about and enjoy the sense of tradition that is part of sending and receiving a Christmas or holiday card. There is something special about receiving a card that a human hand has touched and prepared just for you — it is not the same experience electronically. I have posted a poll below. Let us know what you think the trend is going to be around Christmas and holiday cards over the next several years.
Loading ...
{ 0 comments… add one now }