Analysis of Xmas cards 2016

[BerylStreep]

Following on from my previous analysis of Christmas cards in 2015 I have the updated report for Christmas 2016.

The main headlines:

There has been a 21% decrease in the number of cards received in the Streep household in 2016, from 67 to 53. This is likely to be as a result of the eldest child moving to big school, or a general decline in card sending, as opposed to us becoming less popular.

Despite the overall decrease in cards received, there has been a significant increase in the number of religious themed cards, a 33% rise from last year (from 6 to 8). Notably, a number of these cards were sent by friends in their mid-forties, as opposed the expected demographic of older card senders.

Whilst animals still represent the biggest card type, they now only represent 30% of all cards, down from 39% last year. Christmas characters (Santa & snowmen) have increased their share, from 19% of all cards, to 26% this year.

Within the animal category, this was the first year that there were no bears, polar or otherwise. This could indicate a loss in popularity across the board for bear species. Stags / deer and penguins remain the 2 biggest sub-types for animals, although penguins have reduced slightly (from 9 in 2015, to 5 this year). 2016 was a first for ladybirds (or indeed, any insect) to make an appearance on a Christmas card.

Snow scenes remained fairly constant, whereas there was a decrease in the type 'foliage' (comprised of Christmas trees and holly), down from 14% of all cards in 2015, to a mere 8% in 2016. In numeric terms, this is a reduction from 9 to 4 - representing a 56% fall in foliage related cards, which is somewhat at odds with the current hygge trend.

The following charts indicate the main trends.

What happens if a card fits into two categories?

For example if it has an animal AND a santa?

Testic...... Santa must surely outrank an animal

I'm so cross that I binned mine yesterday. But from what I recall, we had a fair few penguins and also at least four specific historic buildings (eg Exeter Cathedral) in a wintry/snowy scene.

Beryl, have you cross-referenced themes with charities? You had more animals than anything else - did you also have more cards from animal charities than anything else? Although I'm struggling to think of a Santa charity - maybe a foundation for eccentric elderly men?

I don't think I'll be making a pie-chart but I did notice an abundance of glittery cards this year and it seems to be some type of modern glitter that actually stays put on the card.

Peas. -- I got a Christmas card featuring a 'tree' composed of Brussel sprouts.

I love you! Wish I'd kept my cards.

You binned your Christmas cards?! Am I the only person who cuts them into Christmas labels to be used on next year's presents?

Oh. It appears that I am.

I used to do that Cointrou but lost my punch I made the holes with ( for the string) lol

Small sample:

DH has always been adamant that nothing says Christmas like a card with a skating penguin. No skating penguin this year but... a ski-ing penguin. Very modern and "post truth" we felt. (On the basis that penguins can possibly skate but definitely not ski). The penguin/Christmas link remains unexplained.

No Christmas card for me from Prince Charles this year! I reckon he must send about 8000(?) (maybe more) so I am no longer in his top 8000 people. 2016 has truly been a sobering year. I got one from the DCs headmaster for Services Rendered in 2016, but to be honest it's scant consolation. (I won't tell him that; with GCSE's approaching he's probably a more useful ally than Prince Charles).

Dear Beryl. You are bonkers. However, here is our 2016 Christmas card analysis, using the same categories. I found "foliage" a bit tricky and have included "Christmas trees" in that category (although not ones which appeared in a scene that was primarily snowy and therefore categorised as "snowy scene".

The high proportion of animals, largely cute, I put down to having two primary school aged children, who are in a school where there is a huge flurry of giving /receiving of Christmas cards, almost all of which have a cute animal on the front.

Our proportions are not dissimilar, although you have a far greater proportion of "Christmas characters" and perhaps are including a wider range of characters than I am in this category?

I have included the raw figures and chart in my spreadsheet of Christmas cards given / received in the Wigeon household since 2010, and plan to repeat the analysis in future years, enabling a time-series comparison.

Forgot to include: total card number: 71. Largely, it feels, from small children in the DCs' classes.

Brilliant analysis! Can't manage the pie chart thingy but a brief analysis reveals a predominance of wintry landscapes, a smattering of angels and several snowmen! Also a few cards that were just lettering ie 'Joy.'

Wigeon Christmas characters is comprised of Santa & snowmen.

Foliage is Christmas trees, holly and wreaths. If it is a general snowy scene with a Christmas tree in the background, I too would probably categorise it as a snow scene.

Gosh. I throw mine in the bin as soon as I read them. The decline in cards is a massive plus for me. I don't send any at all now. I probably received over 500 in 2000, down to less than 10 now.

Wonderful. less clutter, less waste of resources. Less sense of obligation to return. even the neighbours have all finally stopped.

Wow Anotheryear 500 cards! I don't even think I know 500 people.

Well, I have just found another 10 Christmas cards hidden in DD's schoolbag, so it turns out that all my analysis is invalid

One that I found made me laugh - it said 'Don't Eat Yellow Snow'

So I'm in a quandary - do I update my raw data so that next year's analysis is more valid? I think I might have to. I'll spare you the updated charts.

I have now performed my analysis. No pie charts as have worked it out on paper and using a pencil and am using my phone to input the results.

Total cards received here was 48. Cards from people outside the family were either given to the whole family, or to DD (in year 6). DS (at secondary school) did not receive or send any cards other than to/from close family members. I am interested to see what happens when DD joins him at secondary school next year. DH also did not send any to anyone outside the family.

Top category was animals at 44% (21 cards). Christmas characters came in with 8 cards being 17%. Christmas scenes and words (such as peace, seasons greetings or let it snow) both represented 10% or 5 cards. Religious (which included carols) had 3 cards or 6%. Christmas trees, people (ie not specifically Christmas related) and other all had 2 cards or 4% of the total. Other was made up of a card with various Christmas items and a hand made card with people and a Christmas tree with lovely 5 year old writing on it.

Percentages do not add up to 100% due to rounding.

I think you need to update the source data

This is my favourite card I think

OP I think I slightly love you right now. This totally fits with my analytical mind and love of charts

Miranda that's a lovely card! Where is it from?

It's from the V&A and is by an Icelandic artist who combines animals and Victorian aspects. According to the information on the back