9 January 2026

The analysis of our Christmas cards has some drama in it. For the first time, the number of secular cards has been greater than the number of sacred cards. The difference is modest, some 6% of the total number of cards received but significant for all that.

The largest category of secular cards are those which feature wildlife, two-fifths of the total. Of that number two-fifths had robins as their central character. Other animals featured included dogs, highland cows, deer, a squirrel, a partridge, a wren.

The most popular aspect of the nativity has always been cards which feature the exotic figures of the kings or the magi with their magical gifts – gold frankincense and myrrh. This compares with only one card featuring  the shepherds on their own. Is it the mysterious journey, the wealth of kings or the ordinariness of shepherds?

Having said this, the dove of peace has given the magi a run for their money. This doesn’t surprise me in a world which has been seriously damaged by warfare, terrorism and violence. It is an appealing image which features this Sunday at the baptism of Christ. It represents the Holy Spirit and announces a beautiful Word of God.

Of the other secular cards, Christmas customs featured evergreens, wreaths and Santa Claus figure in equal measure. We only received one carol and no singers and one card featuring a wrapt up present.  The most popular secular design after wildlife was winter!

We have had a taste of winter this week even in St. Andrews which rarely sees a snowfall. But it is hardly a characteristic of contemporary Christmases but the image persists. Winter and its snow-covered landscape is our desert where life is challenged at the extremities and nothing grows but our snowdrops and roses!

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