New research has revealed that when it comes to receiving or sending a Christmas card, 89 per cent of people who expressed a preference, would prefer to receive a traditional card, with only 11 per cent preferring an electronic festive greeting or social media message. Two thirds of those asked said they will be sending the same number of cards as they did last year, and 15 per cent plan to send more.

The One Poll survey also found that the average number of Christmas cards those asked planned to send this year is 17. This is in line with the 2013 and 2012 surveys.

There was a clear split in card sending between the men and women polled - with women planning to send more cards than men - 19 compared to 15 – and expecting to receive more as well – 20 compared to 15 for men.

Snow scenes topped the list in popularity with a third – 24 per cent of people preferring a wintry image on their cards.This was followed by: humour (18 per cent); Nativity (9 per cent); Christmas Tree / Decoration (9 per cent).

Recent figures released by the Greeting Card Association (GCA)* revealed the value of the single card market has grown, up by 5.6%, with the UK public spending £1.29 billion on single cards last year. In addition, an estimated 900 million Christmas cards were sold in boxes and packs last year worth around £200m, and millions of cards were bought from online operators. Taking these into account, the GCA estimates that the total greeting card market now has a value of £1.6 billion.

Stephen Agar, Managing Director, Consumer and Network Access, Royal Mail, said: “From the very first cards that we helped send back in 1873 to the millions of Christmas cards we handle each year, we are proud to still be delivering seasons greetings across the UK over 170 years later.

“With the Christmas countdown now underway, Royal Mail is reminding people to get their Christmas cards and gifts in the post before the latest recommended posting dates.”

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Source: Royal Mail