A card is often better
In a year tinged by separation and restriction, more than half of Britons (55 per cent) believe that sending Christmas cards to loved ones is more important than ever, according to our latest study.
One in 10 UK adults plan to send up to 10 more Christmas cards this year than they usually do, as a direct result of lockdown restrictions.
Of those who do plan to send more cards, the results showed little difference between age groups. Of 18-24-year-olds, 15 per cent will be sending more Christmas cards this year, compared to just under one in 10 of those aged 55 plus.
Enduring appeal Three quarters of UK adults believe that sending a Christmas card is a more meaningful way of letting loved ones know that you are thinking of them than a social media message or a text.
Previously released figures reveal that more than six in 10 also preferred receiving a Christmas card over any other form of festive greeting, including via social media (4 per cent), text message (3 per cent) or even face-to-face (19 per cent).
Moreover, when asked why Christmas cards are so synonymous with the festive season, over half love displaying them in their homes, while 45 per cent look forward to reading the messages inside, as well as enjoying the particular thrill of receiving something through the post.
Just under half of 18-24-year-olds prefer Christmas cards as a way of spreading festive cheer than via any other medium, including text (38 per cent) and WhatsApp messages (24 per cent).
The Christmas card list of 2020
Loved ones living on their own are key priorities for the nation’s Christmas card lists this year. Extended family members living outside the sender’s household are most likely to receive a card, followed by friends, parents, current or ex work colleagues, grandparents and great-grandparents.
Local postmen or women are also popular additions, along with other community key workers, including nurses, doctors and teachers.
Mark Street, head of campaigns, said: ‘This has been an immensely challenging and sometimes isolating year for so many, which is why it is more important than ever to find a truly meaningful way of letting loved ones know that you are thinking of them – even if you can’t be there in person.
‘There’s something inherently festive and heart-warming about sending and receiving a physical card through the post, that someone has lovingly taken the time to write. Put simply, sometimes a letter or card is better.’
Festive wordsmiths are reminded to post their letters and cards with enough time to spare for Christmas. The last posting date for Second Class mail is Friday 18 December, and Monday 21 December for First Class mail. For Special Delivery, it is Wednesday 23 December.
