Charity Christmas Cards

The tradition of sending charity Christmas cards during the Christmas and New Year season has only been in occurrence for less than two centuries. It began in London, in the mid-1800s, and it has grown into a very huge business with almost two billion cards being sent in 2005.

There is a large selection from which to choose when it comes to picking out a Christmas card. Many themes can range from a religious tone to highly decorative cards to humorous cards. Religious themes may include the Nativity scene of Jesus or symbols depicting Peace or the Holy Spirit.

Other cards may represent Christmas with more secular symbols such as Santa Claus, candy canes, the winter season with snowmen and Christmas trees, messages noting songs such as "Jingle Bells". Even less spiritual people may go with the card with a more fun, humorous theme. Newer cards can have a recorded message which you can listen to when the card is opened.

The popularity of charity Christmas cards has helped companies in the greeting card business such as Hallmark and American Greetings. Single cards or packages can be purchased. They are usually delivered once Thanksgiving has passed and within weeks to days of Christmas Day, December 25. With the advent of email and the telephone, mailing handwritten cards has somewhat decreased in recent years. Hallmark also provides a service where you can have them send the card directly to your recipient through an online service. You can type your message and purchase the stamp online.

Due to the use of computers and online sites such as Hallmark, e-cards can be sent for all occasions including Christmas. These do not cost anything, and they can be sent to your recipient's email inbox. The popularity of this version of a card has partially resulted in the decrease of mailed cards.

The creative artist may be able to make a homemade card with his or her own style. Craft shops have many decorating tools such as glitter, markers, and specialty paper, small figures of Christmas to glue onto the card. This is another way to show your celebration of the holidays with more of your own personality, and it can be much less expensive.

Christmas time is the time for gift-giving, and aside from sending a card, small gifts can be sent with the card. Greeting stores have trinkets such as Christmas ornaments or figurines of holiday symbols. Other popular holiday greetings packages are boxes of candy or a basket of fruit.

The sending of a charity Christmas card is usually a greeting to most of those one knows regardless if you keep in close touch with that person. It's the time of year to send your Christmas wishes to everyone. It is customary to send a return card to those who have sent you one. Some like to use these cards as a way to update others on what new is happening in their lives. It is meant as a kind gesture which most people are enlightened with the reception of a Christmas or holiday card.