Explore the origins and evolution of the holiday card industry, including its current millennial-driven peak. Delve into the expensive world of holiday card photography and the rising cost of postage. Discover the potential environmental impact of sending holiday cards and the pros and cons of digital versus physical cards.
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Quick takeaways
The holiday card industry has seen a decline in recent years due to the rise of social media and virtual communication, as well as the expense and environmental impact of physical cards.
Creating holiday cards has become a lucrative industry for photographers, with prices ranging from $200 to $800 for a 15-minute photoshoot and eight digital prints, highlighting the value and demand for personalized cards.
Deep dives
The Holiday Card Industry: A Booming Tradition
The holiday card industry has been a booming tradition for centuries, with almost 50% of Americans sending holiday cards each year since the mid-1800s. The industry is worth close to $7 billion, but has seen a decline in recent years, with only 1 billion cards being sent compared to 2 billion in the 80s and 90s. The rise of social media and virtual communication, along with the expense and environmental impact of physical cards, has contributed to this decline. However, for many millennials, sending holiday cards is a nostalgic and heartfelt tradition, showcasing their love for vintage styles and the desire to share their family celebrations, including their beloved pets, through personalized cards.
The Economics Behind Holiday Cards and Photography
Creating holiday cards has become a lucrative industry for photographers, with prices ranging from $200 to $800 for a 15-minute photoshoot and eight digital prints. Platforms like Shutterfly and Minted offer personalized physical cards starting from 70 cents to $3 per card. Despite the expense, almost half of Americans still send holiday cards, contributing to the industry's value of $7 billion. However, environmental concerns arise with 66% of cards being thrown away and the emissions created from producing 1.3 billion cards annually. The rise of e-cards and digital communications has impacted the industry, reporting a 24% increase in revenue post-COVID in 2021.
Millennials and Holiday Cards: A Nostalgic Trend
Millennials have embraced the holiday card tradition as a throwback gesture, finding joy in upholding the tradition started by previous generations. The rise of meme culture and the desire to connect with friends and family in a more tangible way has contributed to the continued popularity of holiday cards among millennials. However, the industry has experienced changes, with a decrease in physical cards being sent and an increase in digital and virtual communications. Despite the expense and environmental considerations, many millennials find joy in creating and receiving holiday cards, cherishing the nostalgic and heartfelt nature of this timeless tradition.
The holiday card industry is a gargantuan multi-billion dollar holly jolly juggernaut every single year. Today we’re going over some of the most surprising facts and stats about the holiday card industry from its beginnings in 1843 to its current millennial-driven peak.
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