Christmas Cards

Like every other design magazine we, at Metropolis, receive hundreds of good wishes for the holidays; which we really appreciate! In addition to the growing number of e-cards, much of what comes into the office continues to be the traditional holiday greeting—paper, folded or single page, with glitter and cutouts. But let’s consider this stat: According to Recycleworks.org, there are “2.65 billion Christmas cards sold each year in the U.S.” That’s enough to fill a football field 10 stories high. And when you add the envelopes and the business cards stuffed inside? That’s a lot of paper to just throw away in January. I am a digital native, and I believe there are only three reasons you should send a printed card:

• It’s the only way you know how; I love the card from Grandma!
• You’re a paper printing company; send it on recycled stock!
• Or it accompanies a box of cookies.

Here is why I love the e-card:

• No trash and bound to make the reindeer and evergreens of the world happy!
• Easy forwarding, spread holiday cheer (and your name!) far and wide.
• Linking, an easy way to drive traffic (and new clients?) to your website.
• Tracking, so you can see who is naughty or nice.
• Creativity! These holiday greetings can be really fun, and the possibilties are greater with e-cards than with paper.

Design firms known for their creativity can set new standards for holiday greetings and embrace the digital format fully.  And Grandma, thanks for the card!