Cards lose their Christmas cheer

TWO in five Australians will not send a single traditional Christmas card this year, a social trends survey has found.

The cost and “too much effort” are top excuses for giving up on the custom. Environmental and waste concerns are another reason, the research for CARE Australia reveals.

Most who have stopped giving Christmas cards feel others no longer expect them.

However, printed cards were overwhelmingly considered the most personal way to express best wishes.

Despite that, growing numbers are turning to text messages, social media posts and emails to pass on festive season sentiment.

Three-quarters of those polled planned to spread some Christmas cheer electronically.

CARE Australia’s Howard Ralley said it was heartening that three in five people still intended to send a printed Christmas card this year.

“It is extra work to take the time out to do that, and the fact the majority still want to is a lovely sign,” Mr Ralley said.

“Sending a Facebook message or text message is a bit ‘tick in the box’ and what we would want ourselves, if we are honest, is a personalised message of love. A card has that extra sense of value.”

CARE Australia donates the proceeds of its Christmas cards and other gift sales to overseas projects to tackle poverty and inequality.