Are today's trying economic times permeating even the most standard of holiday greetings? Hallmark seems to think so.

In a Wall Street Journal article by Kevin Helliker, the card maker is clearly trending toward bittersweet holiday tidings:

Hallmark might expand its line of difficult-times cards, based on "what I see in the marketplace, in society in general and in families," says Mr. (Mark) Andrews, the product manager. ... "We don't have to have a lot to have everything," says one card. Adds another: "We can still hold on to the things that will never change."

Hallmark's chief rival, American Greetings (NYSE:AM), has taken a different tone, remaining focused on optimism and steering clear of the economic tumult altogether.

So what will consumers do this holiday season? Will they venture into Hallmark's new offerings, or stick with the likes of American Greetings or competitor CSS Industries (NYSE:CSS)? What kind of holiday-card message would you recommend? Sound off in the comments box below.