Showing loved ones that you're thinking of them is still the main focus at Christmas time but are traditional cards becoming outmoded by technology?   Results of a survey published today conducted by Christmas video messaging site Christmasee.com shows that whilst cards remain popular, nearly one in four (23 per cent) of those surveyed intend to send fewer cards or no cards at all this Christmas.

As daily use of the internet becomes more commonplace, almost a quarter (24 per cent) of under 45's quizzed view sending Christmas cards as old fashioned and believe that there are more effective ways to share greetings.

Half of those cutting back on the number of cards they'll send this year attribute their decision to the current economic climate. At a time when funds are limited, Christmas cards are as seen as an unnecessary luxury. One in four (25 per cent) are reducing the number of cards sent because they feel they are bad for the environment.

More than a third (36 per cent) of those that do send cards opt for charity greetings, seeing it as a good way of donating to selected organisations during the festive season.

Even as the nation tightens its belt, Christmas is still considered by most to be a time for giving. Despite the global economic downturn, generous Brits are still digging deep for charity this Christmas. More than 60 per cent of those polled confirmed that the credit crunch won't stop them making their usual donation to charity during the festive season.

However, results also show lack of funds is definitely set to have an adverse effect on the coffers of some charitable organisations as 29 per cent of respondents confirmed that financial constraints mean they will either give less or in some cases not at all.

Christmasee.com is pledging 10 pence to selected charities for each message sent by users in the run-up to Christmas. Using technology to communicate happiness and raise money for charity.

At a time of year when the vast majority of people are spending time with close friends and family, not everyone is so fortunate. Over a quarter of the population (27 per cent) will celebrate this Christmas apart from their loved ones, rising to over a third (39 percent) of Londoners.

Dr James Ohene-Djan, internet technology specialist at the University of London's Goldsmiths College commented.

Everyday use of video on the internet continues to rise. We're seeing a huge surge in popularity for all media that allows users to take centre stage. We've seen the power of reality television and now on the web user generated content is the latest trend, so why shouldn't the next step be for people to be the star of their own Christmas card? It's another fun, way for technology to bring people closer together and share some good cheer.

Survey:

The survey was conduced on-line by TNS on behalf of Christmasee.com. TNS interviewed 1,027 GB adults aged 16-64 between 28th - 30th October 2008