Is this the end of Christmas cards? 5 creative ways to spread holiday cheer without the mailbox

Discover why Christmas cards are declining in popularity - and explore creative ways to share holiday cheer. Photo credit: Depositphotos.

Are Christmas cards fading away? With social media and texting at our fingertips, many wonder if the tradition of sending handwritten holiday greetings is on its way out. However, many families still cherish the joy of sending and receiving Christmas cards, keeping this heartwarming tradition alive.

Before you ditch the card aisle this year, consider the charm, nostalgia and personal touch that only a real Christmas card can deliver. So, is this the end of Christmas cards - or could this tradition be due for a holiday comeback?

How Christmas cards became a holiday tradition

According to the Postal Museum, the tradition of mailing Christmas cards dates back to mid-19th-century England when the first commercial Christmas card was created by Sir Henry Cole, a civil servant involved in modernizing the British postal system. Sir Cole's creation quickly resulted in a growing greeting card industry in England and the spread of Christmas cards to America by the 1870s.

In America, holiday greetings have changed with the times. As printing technology improved, cards became more affordable, and the imagery and sentiments changed. National Army Museum mentions that families and soldiers mailed cards with patriotic themes during World Wars I and II. A Morning Call article states that in the late 1960s, cards featured psychedelic art and non-traditional colors to reflect popular culture.

Today, Christmas cards are a global tradition. However, digital options and social media have introduced new ways for people to send holiday greetings, leading to a decline in the number of cards sent each year.

The decline of Christmas cards

In the early 2000s, TIME reported that Americans sent around 2.9 billion Christmas cards each year. But when social media platforms like Facebook were made available starting in 2004, holiday cards began declining, with the United States Postal Service reporting 1.1 billion Christmas cards now sent annually.

Several reasons are behind this decline, ranging from social media availability and texting to environmental concerns and the rising cost of postage stamps. The increased commitments and risks of a holiday meltdown also factor in.

Casey Rooney, a mother of three and the owner of Get On My Plate struggled with the decision, sharing, "Last year, several things came up around the holidays and I just could not get Christmas cards out. When I decided a card wouldn't go out, it was a huge weight lifted."

Despite their decline in popularity over the last two decades, Christmas cards don't need a eulogy just yet. According to the New York Post, more than half of American families still mail holiday greetings due to tradition and nostalgia, with most Americans preferring physical, customized cards regardless of their age.

Ashley Wali, luxury family travel writer at Wanderlux, mails about 50 customized cards each holiday season for reasons beyond tradition, explaining, "I've found myself sharing less online in recent years, which makes holiday cards that much more important. They allow me to share big updates from the year and stay in touch with long-distance friends and family."

For Wali, mailing holiday cards is more than just supporting lasting connections. She explains, "Holiday cards are a chance for me to step back and reflect on the year. I write them as much for my friends and family as I do for myself."

Creative ways to spread holiday cheer beyond a card

Love connecting with family and friends during the holidays but don't have the time or energy to send out traditional Christmas cards? You're not alone. Many people find it difficult to keep up with the tradition of mailing cards.

Fortunately, there are plenty of thoughtful, creative ways to share holiday cheer without stuffing envelopes or buying stamps. Whether through a quick email, festive social media post or small, in-person gestures, there's a modern way for everyone to spread joy this season.

Share a holiday greeting on social media

The original intent of mailing holiday greetings was to nurture connections from afar. With the advent of social media, keeping social connections is easier than ever. Posting holiday greetings on social media can be a fun, creative and eco-friendly alternative to mailing traditional cards.

Start by designing a festive image or using a family photo with holiday-themed graphics or frames in design apps like Canva or Adobe Express. For a distinctive touch, include a heartfelt caption or a year-in-review update to share highlights from the past year.

Deliver homemade treats locally

Delivering homemade treats or festive holiday foods to nearby friends and family offers a thoughtful alternative to traditional Christmas cards. Instead of mailing a greeting, one can prepare a batch of cookies or spiced nuts packaged in decorative tins or holiday-themed wrapping.

Purchased treats, like holiday chocolates, artisanal jams or charcuterie boxes also make excellent options for those who prefer not to cook. Adding a small note with a warm holiday message makes the gift.

Donate in honor of loved ones

Minted explains that with the average family ordering 50 to 100 holiday cards each year, opting out can lead to substantial savings. Families might consider donating the amount saved to a charitable organization of their choice in honor of family and friends.

Send greetings via email

Sending an email or e-newsletter instead of a traditional Christmas card offers a quick, eco-friendly and cost-effective way to spread holiday cheer. The email can include personalized messages, festive images or holiday videos. For families that prefer a newsletter-style greeting, an e-newsletter allows extensive sharing of family news.

Delay mailing cards until after the holidays

Some choose to send Christmas cards late or opt for alternative holidays to send greetings. Sage Scott, writer at Quote Queendom said, "After years of fighting an uphill battle I finally started sending New Year's or Valentine's Day cards instead. It is one less thing for me to do during the hectic holiday season, gives me time over the holidays to get updated photos of our family, and stands out in our friends and family members' mailboxes since they receive it at an alternative time of the year." Delaying the sending of holiday cards allows for a more relaxed and less rushed approach to sharing good wishes.

Embracing new traditions - the future of Christmas cards

While Christmas cards have experienced a decline due to digital alternatives and time constraints, they are far from disappearing. The tradition still holds value for many, offering a way to show thoughtfulness that technology can't replicate.

For those seeking alternatives, there are plenty of creative ways to spread holiday cheer without the mailbox, from sharing social media greetings to donating in honor of loved ones. Whether it's through sharing your favorite homemade Christmas cracker candy or sending a festive e-newsletter, these options keep the spirit of the season alive, proving that Christmas cheer doesn't have to come from a card alone.

Michelle Goth is a professionally trained cook and cookbook author dedicated to celebrating Midwestern cooking traditions. She shares easy recipes for family dinners and holidays at Blackberry Babe.