And if you're worried you won't be able to stick to a budget, several companies now offer a new 'holiday card' which can be loaded with cash before you go.

Seven holiday cards failed to stage a single race with a prize fund of 10,000.

Donors were often given small souvenir gratitude gifts of negligible value, somewhat similar to the way modern charities mail out address labels and holiday cards.

The staff grew from 4 to 120 people, and the line increased from holiday cards to include everyday greeting cards.

For example, two people may never speak for an entire year, but will continue sending holiday cards to that acquaintance or a stranger from whom they receive cards.