A seasons greetings card is a greeting card sent during the winter holiday period that deliberately avoids naming any specific holiday, making it suitable for a diverse audience. Unlike Christmas cards, which explicitly celebrate Christmas, seasons greetings cards use neutral phrasing and imagery to convey goodwill during the festive season.
What Is a Seasons Greetings Card?
A seasons greetings card is a type of greeting card exchanged during the holiday season—roughly from late November through early January—that carries a general message of goodwill rather than a specific religious or cultural reference. The phrase “Season’s Greetings” (often written with an apostrophe, though many cards omit it) has been in use since the 19th century and became popular as a way to acknowledge the holiday period without excluding people who do not celebrate Christmas.
These cards typically feature winter-themed imagery such as snowflakes, pine trees, ornaments, or generic festive motifs, and the message inside is usually something like “Wishing you peace and joy this season” or “Happy holidays.” The key distinction is that the card does not mention Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or any other specific holiday.
History and Origins of the Phrase
The phrase “Season’s Greetings” dates back to the 1840s in English-speaking countries. The first commercial Christmas card was produced in London in 1843, but as the practice of sending holiday cards spread, so did the desire for a more inclusive greeting. By the early 20th century, “Season’s Greetings” was widely used on cards and in advertisements, especially in the United States, where the population was religiously diverse.
The phrase gained further prominence during World War II, when cards were sent to soldiers overseas and needed to be acceptable across different faiths. Today, it is a standard alternative to “Merry Christmas” in workplaces, schools, and public-facing communications.
Why Choose a Seasons Greetings Card?
People choose seasons greetings cards for several practical reasons:
- Inclusivity: The card is appropriate for recipients of any faith or none, making it ideal for business clients, coworkers, or acquaintances whose beliefs you may not know.
- Neutrality: It avoids the risk of offending someone who does not celebrate Christmas, which is particularly important in multicultural or secular settings.
- Flexibility: The card can be sent before or after Christmas, covering the entire holiday season, including New Year’s.
- Professional tone: In business contexts, a seasons greetings card is seen as more professional and less presumptive than a Christmas card.
For example, a real estate agent sending cards to a diverse client list, or a school sending a card to families of various backgrounds, would likely choose seasons greetings over Christmas-specific wording.
How to Choose the Right Seasons Greetings Card
Selecting a seasons greetings card involves considering the recipient and the message you want to convey. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
- Audience: For business contacts, choose a card with a simple, elegant design and a generic message. For friends and family, you can be more personal or playful.
- Imagery: Look for winter scenes (snow, evergreens, stars) rather than religious symbols like nativity scenes or menorahs. Avoid images of Santa Claus if you want to stay strictly neutral.
- Message: Pre-printed messages like “Season’s Greetings” are safe, but you can also add a handwritten note. If you write your own message, keep it general, such as “Wishing you a peaceful holiday season.”
- Quality: Cardstock weight, printing quality, and envelope style matter if you are sending to clients or colleagues. A flimsy card may seem cheap.
- Sustainability: Many cards are now made from recycled paper or use eco-friendly inks, which can be a selling point for environmentally conscious senders.
Common Mistakes and Misconceptions
One common mistake is misplacing the apostrophe. The correct form is “Season’s Greetings” because it means “greetings of the season” (the season possesses the greetings). However, many cards and signs drop the apostrophe, and both are widely understood. Another misconception is that “seasons greetings” is only for Christmas. In fact, it is specifically designed to cover the entire holiday period, including New Year’s and sometimes even the winter solstice.
Another error is assuming that a seasons greetings card is the same as a “Happy Holidays” card. While both are inclusive, “Happy Holidays” is a spoken greeting as much as a written one, whereas “Season’s Greetings” is almost exclusively used on cards and printed materials. Also, some people think that sending a seasons greetings card is impersonal, but a handwritten note inside can make it just as personal as any other card.
Seasons Greetings vs. Christmas Cards
The main difference is the explicit mention of Christmas. Christmas cards feature religious imagery (nativity, angels, star of Bethlehem) or secular Christmas symbols (Santa, reindeer, Christmas tree) and say “Merry Christmas.” Seasons greetings cards avoid all of that. In practice, many people send both: a Christmas card to close family and friends who celebrate, and a seasons greetings card to colleagues, clients, and acquaintances.
There is also a regional dimension. In the United States, “Season’s Greetings” is common in public and corporate contexts. In the United Kingdom, “Merry Christmas” is still the default even in many secular settings, though “Season’s Greetings” is understood. In countries with large non-Christian populations, such as India or Singapore, seasons greetings cards are often the norm.
Cost and Availability
Seasons greetings cards range from about $1 to $10 each at retail, with bulk packs costing less per card. Boxed sets of 12–20 cards typically cost $10–$30. Custom-printed cards with your own photo or message start at around $1.50 per card for small quantities and drop with volume. Digital cards are often free or low-cost, and many charities sell packs of cards as a fundraiser. During the holiday season, cards are widely available at drugstores, supermarkets, stationery shops, and online marketplaces like Amazon or Etsy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it “Season’s Greetings” or “Seasons Greetings”?
The correct form is “Season’s Greetings” with an apostrophe before the “s,” because it means “greetings of the season.” However, the apostrophe is frequently omitted in casual use, and both versions are widely understood. For formal cards, use the apostrophe.
Can I send a seasons greetings card to someone who celebrates Christmas?
Yes, absolutely. A seasons greetings card is appropriate for anyone, including those who celebrate Christmas. It may feel less personal to a close friend who loves Christmas, but it is never offensive. If you know the person well and they celebrate Christmas, a Christmas card might be more thoughtful, but seasons greetings is still acceptable.
What is the difference between “Season’s Greetings” and “Happy Holidays”?
Both are inclusive greetings for the holiday season. “Happy Holidays” is more commonly spoken and can be used in person or in writing. “Season’s Greetings” is almost exclusively used on cards and printed materials. There is no significant difference in meaning; the choice is mostly stylistic.
When should I send a seasons greetings card?
Traditionally, holiday cards are sent in the first two weeks of December so they arrive before Christmas. However, because seasons greetings covers the entire season, you can send them later, even between Christmas and New Year’s. Sending them too early (before Thanksgiving in the US) is generally considered premature.
Can I make my own seasons greetings card?
Yes, making your own card is a thoughtful option. You can use a blank card and write “Season’s Greetings” inside, or design a digital card using online tools. Handmade cards add a personal touch, but they require more time. If you are sending many cards, a printed or boxed set is more practical.
Are seasons greetings cards only for non-religious people?
No. People of any faith or no faith can send and receive seasons greetings cards. The card is designed to be inclusive, so it is often used in mixed-religion workplaces or schools. A person who celebrates Christmas might send seasons greetings to colleagues while sending Christmas cards to family.
Related
- Seasons Gardens Senior Residence Miami: A Full Guide
- Seasons Florida Resort: Real Estate & Vacation Guide
- Seasons for Kids: Why They Happen
How pages are sourced and corrected: Sources and editorial policy.