While the tradition of displaying countless Christmas cards on the mantelpiece remains strong, modern technology gives the more lackadaisical of us another option. With free and near- instantaneous Christmas e-cards there is no reason why more of us cannot spread season’s greetings. No stamps, no journey to the postbox and hardly any hassle.

The website www.123greetings.com has a vast range of free card designs to choose from. There are cuddly festive bears, miniature angels and more conventional nativity scenes starring a wondrously cute baby Jesus. Others offer Bible quotes, animated carols and regional variations for Spanish and Orthodox worshippers.

For those who think they might overdose on the twee or serious nature of such e-cards, www.devilcards.com offers free animated e-cards that will appeal to a Little Britain sense of humour. Recipients click on the e-mail link and bear witness to a Sauced Santa, Xmas Party or Mistletoe Kiss. Those labelled “rude”, such as Dirty Deer, cannot be described in a family newspaper. They also invite ideas for cards and, if used, pay £50.

Meanwhile, www.jimpix. co.uk offers designs from someone sickened by the state of a Christmas e-card market saturated by “grotty, soppy cheesy pap”. Jim’s e-cards are edgy, achingly cool and sport animated slogans such as: “Buy nothing this Christmas.”

www.123greetings.com
www.devilcards.com
www.jimpix.co.uk