History of Christmas Cards
Christmas Cards by the Decade
2000s
Page Seventeen
Pictured to the left is one of the many musical Christmas cards marketed by McCrory Stores in 2000. This particular one plays Jingle Bells when opened. As common in the 1990's, a Victorian scene was selected for this card. Musical cards have been around for quite a few years (I do not know how long) and they seem to be gaining in popularity. While it's still too early to document the trends, themes and styles that will identify this decade, we do see many of the common themes that will always be a part of our Christmas tradition. Holly and ivy, children in the snow, nativity scenes, snowmen, and Santa Claus are as contemporary as they are timeless. Even the Internet "hasn't been able to put a dent" in traditional Christmas card sending, according to Denise Bracco of Recycled Paper Greetings says. Peggy Bernosky of The Paper magic Group predicts that snowmen are going to be big in 2001. She says there is a "trend towards the fun and friendly side of Christmas". This trend will also include Santas and cute angels. The verses used with the cards will have a humorous tone. Animal cards will also be popular because they are multi-cultural. People of all cultures can relate to these kinds of cards. Immigrants to American are holding on to their native land customs and traditions. Card makers are expected to produce both multi-cultural and cultural specific cards. Mexican-Americans are making up one of the largest growing groups of consumers in the United States. While they accept Santa as an adopted figure, Latino nativity scenes on Christmas cards are becoming more in demand. However, African-American consumers do prefer that their Santas have African-American features and not just be darker versions of the traditional white Santa. This applies to angels and the nativity too. African-American Christmas cards have recently become more popular then the Kwanzaa themes that were so popular with African-American in the 1990's. Another population that card producers are catering to are the Seventy-six million "Baby Boomers", those born between 1946 and 1961, that are reaching their retirement years. This group has always had a huge impact on the Nation's economy and will continue to do so. As people age they tend to become more spirituality motivated. Religious or inspirational cards would be attractive to them to send to others of their generation or to be received by from others, such as their children or grandchildren. They would be apt to buy cards for their grandchildren that say "To a dear grandson (or granddaughter)". Religious theme cards have recently out-sold other themes, especially in the Midwest and Southern states. Generation X'ers are those people that were born between 1961 and 1981. They grew up in times
with both parents working, divorce was on the rise, and violence was all over the TV and in the movies. And now
as adults they seek more traditional values and a simpler way of life. They would accept a lower paying job
for a more balanced life. Since X'ers are in their child raising years they have less disposable income. Card
producers should have lines for those budget minded people who still want quality and value. If not, this
computer savvy generation knows how to surf the net for the next guy who can supply him with what he wants.
Children's Mission Fund (Orlando, FL) issued the Christmas Moments series in 2000. This was a
beautiful set of illustrations of children in various activities. One card has a young boy and girl with a reindeer,
another has a boy and snowman, and another has three boys in the role of the magi. Other charity organizations
issuing Christmas cards included Columban Fathers (St Columbans, NE) with some of the artwork by Mary Beth
LoPiccolo and Plesh Creative Group, Inc. These cards were sent to people in appreciation of their contributions
to the mission. The St. Bonaventure Indian Mission and School (Thoreau, NM) also solicited funds by sending
out Christmas cards to contributors. Colleen DeBower provided some of the artwork.
View 2000's Gallery 1 examples BY CLICKING HERE
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