Xmas Cards Reflect Country's Somber Mood

Greeting card companies have noticed a big shift in what Americans want from their season’s greetings this year, the Wall Street Journal reports. As economic worries mount, glitzy holiday cards have fallen out of favor fast. Designers have made this year's cards more traditional, deepening reds and greens and focusing on simple holiday traditions like tree-trimming and snowy family walks.

Pictures of presents piled high and other reminders of consumerist excess are definitely out, analysts say. Short and snappy greetings have also been replaced by lengthier, more sentimental messages. "Now people want longer copy," a creative director at American Greetings said. "During difficult times, we see people wanting to connect on a deeper, emotional level that goes above and beyond." (More Christmas card stories.)