Traditional Christmas Cards Retain Popularity In Finland

[emezico]

Sales of Christmas greeting cards have started briskly this year. The traditional paper card has seen a rebirth with sales exceeding those of recent years. The Finnish post office Itella says a traditional Christmas card remains more personal than an electronic alternative.

Christmas cards have a long-standing tradition in Finland with post office personnel delivering around 50 million cards across the country every year. Although sending ordinary greeting cards has become less popular, the trend does not extend to Christmas cards.

"We firmly believe Finns still like to send personal Christmas cards despite talk of electronic greetings during the past decade," says Mari Jäntti-Mähönen, Product Manager at the Finnish Post Office.

Their research carried out this year indicates the paper postcard is seen as more joyful than an electronic version. Tangible postcards symbolise a respect for friendship.

Retailers are reporting brisk sales of Christmas cards to prove the point.

"We have already sold more cards than last year with our predicted sales peak around December 15 still to come," says Purchasing Manager, Memme Ilmakunnas of the Tiimari chain of stores.

The Finnish Post Office Itella has issued a reminder that the last day to mail domestic Christmas greetings at a discounted rate is December 15.

YLE