America's fascination with animals, from house pets to endangered species, is reflected in this year's Christmas greeting cards , of which well over 3 billion are expected to be exchanged, according to the National Association of Greeting Card publishers.
Panda's and Polar bears are among the subjects of seasonal cheer. They are joined by Turtles and whales proclaiming Christmas as a time of love for "All things bright and beautiful, All things great and small."
Animals as a dominant theme in this years cards are among the findings of the greeting card publishers, with headquarters in Washington, D.C., in an informal survey of its members.

                                                                                                            

Each year, the association reviews the work of artists and writers who create Christmas greetings, and a pattern of themes emerges from this review. The themes reflect the interests and lifestyles of most Americans, according to the artists who produce the cards.
"Historically, religious themes outnumber other subjects 3-to-1, Secular greetings generally reflect the fads, foibles and concerns of our society"
One of this year's cards, a stylized panda, painted in blue, holds aloft a sprig of greenery with a red berry. The greeting is timely, since the panda has become the symbol of the World Wildlife Fund, The non-profit organization is now allocating monies for the protection of pandas and other endangered species.
In a light-hearted vein, another card portrays an Ark whose passengers include turtles, elephants, egrets, snail darters, koala bears and a host of other animals. The cards proclaims "Peace on earth" to the fin and furry boat-land and "to all other endangered species such as you and me and us"


Dogs and Cats abound on cards. One reads: "From our dog to yours," with space provided for a canine signature. Another shows a kitten swaying from a branch of a Christmas tree to which it has been lured by an ornament in the form of a blue-jay. A portion of the card's purchase price is earmarked for the society for the prevention of cruelty to animals.
Many religious cards continue to trend started years ago, the embossed reproduction of stained glass windows from Cathedrals. The Madonna and Child and scenes from the manger are reproduced in acrylics, oils, and watercolors. Steepled churches throughout rural America seem as popular as palm fringed vistas of Bethlehem.
Two cards from Unicef. the united nations children's fund, reproduce 12th century stained glass panels of the "Adoration" and "Three Kings" from Canterbury Cathedral, England.
Personalized greeting cards, on which the name of the sender is imprinted, range from cartoons to fine art reproductions. Many publishers in this category anticipate orders from lawyers, physicians, and like professionals. The cards are increasingly popular as a form of business communication.
The exchange of Christmas cards will not be hindered by inflation, In times of economic stress the buyer of a greeting card often perceives the card as a gift in lieu of a more expensive offering.
"It's a lasting gift", "A greeting card comes without batteries, there's nothing to assemble and no parts to lose."