[Pixalo]

Press release:
The more creative you are with your Christmas cards, the more you care, according to new research. The YouGov poll for HP has revealed that three quarters of people say they feel special if they get a home made card rather than one bought from a shop. Now one in ten Brits are making their own Christmas cards in an effort to become more personal.

Family portraits came out top of the pics for the image Brits would choose to go on their cards - a trend fuelled by the personalised cards sent by public figures and celebrities such as the Royals, Blairs and Beckhams. Indeed, it seems Brits are a pretty creative bunch with 50 percent saying they would like the opportunity to be creative.

Celina Hands, consumer market manager HP UK&I, comments "Having noted a rising trend amongst customers for creativity in the home, particularly using photos, HP has innovated with the smart technology in its Photosmart range of cameras and printers. Now an activity such as making greetings cards with family photos is simpler than ever. And of course it's not just Christmas cards, there are still the thank you messages in the new year as well as births, birthdays, invitations, anniversaries or even just to say 'hello'".

Tracey Cox, international relationships expert and best selling author said: "In a world of mass consumerism, personalisation has become the ultimate way to make people feel special. The great thing about homemade cards is that they are a simple and easy way to both express individuality and how much you care - the time and effort which went into them is clear and it's a personal touch that says so much."

[Rob Barron]

People have always appreciated a hand-made card more than a shop-bought card as it shows someone has taken the time to create the card with you in mind.

However, not everyone has the time, the ability or access to materials that others have so if you get a shop-bought card from your loved ones, remember that is NOT a sign they love you less!

Indeed, cards and presents don't show you somebody cares necessarily: they can even be a replacement for personal quality time being spent in showing someone we care. So let's all keep in mind that the time we spend with our loved ones, talking, listening and caring, that is the REAL measure of how much we care :o)

Cheers,
Rob