Pop Culture Puns -- a New Tradition for Lighthearted Ha-Ha Hanukkah Celebrations

Contact: Laurie Henrichsen / 216.252.4943

CLEVELAND, Dec. 15 -- What do Texas Hold 'Em and political humor have to do with Hanukkah? This may sound like the set up for a late night comedy bit, but in reality, these pop culture references are actually this year's big hits on humorous Hanukkah cards from the L'Chayim To Life! collection from American Greetings.

According to American Greetings, 45 percent of the Hanukkah greetings sent are humorous. Pam Fink, a practicing Orthodox Jew and 22-year American Greetings veteran card writer and editor explained, "Because Hanukkah is happier and more lighthearted than other major Jewish holidays, many Jews enjoy sending cards that share a laugh. And just like Jay Leno and David Letterman, humorous greeting card writers know topical humor gets the biggest laughs."

One funny Hanukkah American Greetings card features a cartoon of children around a table playing with a dreidel, the traditional 4-sided Hebrew-engraved spinning top. The caption reads, "Dreidels are boring. Can we play Texas Hold 'Em?"

"With Hanukkah coincidentally starting at sundown on Dec. 25 this year, funny cards cross-referencing Christmas should be especially popular," said Fink. " Although the two holidays are greatly different, of course, they generally fall in the same month and similar traditions like gift-giving and large gatherings for holiday meals make humorous comparisons a natural."

Cards referencing both holidays also serve as a fun way for Jews and Christians to send holiday greetings to each other and are particularly appropriate for interfaith couples or families. One such card shows a photo of a beautifully decorated tree on the front along with the simple caption: " Christmas tree." Inside, there is a photo of a President George W. Bush look- alike standing next to a menorah with the tongue-in-cheek caption: "Hanukkah Bush." A lighthearted tagline follows: "Whatever you celebrate, have fun!" The back of the card features an extra playful touch -- an additional head shot of the presidential look-alike saying, "Happy Hanukkah, y'all!"

Another card humorously depicts an all-too-familiar faux pas resulting from the same-date coincidence. A well-meaning supermarket clerk decked out in Santa hat and "ornament earrings" tells a Jewish customer wearing a yarmulke and "I Love Israel" sweatshirt, "Enjoy your Christmas!" The punch line inside? "Not to state the obvious, but it's Hanukkah! Hope yours is happy."

"Hanukkah commemorates a historical miracle during a fight for freedom of religion in the year 165 B.C.E.," Fink explained. "We celebrate the survival of the Jewish culture and faith by lighting candles in the menorah, singing special prayers and songs, and practicing other holiday rituals. Because not everyone wants to send funny cards for Hanukkah, we also offer a full selection of more traditional Hanukkah themes and messages in our L'Chayim To Life! line." Special cards for children, Hanukkah money holders and gift card holders, value packs containing 6 or 8 cards and Hanukkah stickers for decorating envelopes and gift packages are available.

About American Greetings Corporation

American Greetings Corporation (NYSE: AM) is one of the world's largest manufacturers of special occasion products. Along with greeting cards, its product lines include gift wrap, party goods, candles, stationery, calendars, educational products, ornaments and electronic greetings. American Greetings is also the creator and owner of many celebrated character properties, including Strawberry Shortcake and Care Bears. Located in Cleveland, Ohio, American Greetings generates annual net sales of approximately $2 billion. For more information on the Corporation, visit http://corporate.americangreetings.com.

SOURCE American Greetings