The U.S. Greeting Card Association (GCA) is predicting that shoppers will purchase some 1.6 billion Christmas cards this year, making Christmas the largest card-sending holiday in the country. That figure includes boxed cards, but does not include photo and other personalized cards sold online.

Nearly three-fourths of consumers who send holiday cards do so because they know how good it feels when they receive a holiday greeting, according to research findings from GCA member Hallmark Cards. The company’s 2013 holiday designs include cards featuring embellishments such as removable ornaments; designs with simple photography; laser-cut holiday cards; and cards incorporating rich colors and short, powerful sentiments.

GCA members note that other design trends leading Christmas cards this year include modern updates on traditional text and icons; quirky humor mixed with nostalgia; bold color palettes; and unexpected pops of color.

“For the holiday season, basics continue to rule—from themes to colors," according to GCA member Designer Greetings, which is seeing demand for understated, natural designs that “speak to the return to the familiar for peace of mind and comfort.”

Another GCA member, American Greetings, is focusing on traditional designs with a contemporary flair.

“Around the holidays, families and friends seek out experiences and traditions they can share, which provides framework and connection for making memories,” the company said. “Although traditions are very important for the post-recession mindset, people still like to give them a modern update. Christmas trends will go from classic to quirky this holiday season.”

Colors on traditional Christmas cards will continue to incorporate classic green-and-red hues along with gold touches, while featuring vintage imagery or fashion-inspired iconography. Cards focusing on a winter theme will combine winter whites, soft aqua, frosty spearmint and ice-rink blue, and will include images of snowflakes and icicles. Black-and-white illustrations with pops of red create an updated graphic look for the holiday. Brighter, less-traditional hues can be found on more whimsical-themed holiday cards, such as those featuring humorous takes on Santa, elves and ugly Christmas sweaters.

Overall, Americans purchase approximately 6.5 billion greeting cards each year, with annual retail sales estimated between $7 billion and $8 billion.