CHRISTMAS is coming down at Kirkwood Hospice - and charity shops elsewhere else for that matter.
Officials at the Dalton hospice have selected a design for its 2004 Christmas cards and are taking orders.
The cards, designed by Roberttown artist Richard Gawthorpe, feature pictures of Castle Hill with Emley Moor mast and Mirfield Parish Church.
Melanie Crossley, the hospice's fundraising administrator, said Kirkwood tailored its cards to businesses and individuals, with logos or greetings inserted.
"The cards are not going to be on sale in the shops, but people can order them from a flier," she said. "When they are printed with inserts, they are generally available about October."
The cards raise about £25,000 for the hospice.
Age Concern's cards hit the shops in the summer.
Linda Wilson, Huddersfield trading manager, said: "We order them in May and put them out in August.
"People like to support the charity and shop early.
Cancer Research UK starts selling its cards in September.
And Oxfam expects its Christmas cards to be on sale in the same month.
Adrian Hughes, manager of the New Street shop, said: "Traditionally we wait until October, but we have a new range this year and will be promoting them earlier.
"Believe it or not, people do buy them remarkably early - which baffles me.
"A lot of people would not dream of buying cards any other way, because more money goes direct to the charity."
The early start does makes business sense as Oxfam sells about £15,000 worth of Christmas cards in Huddersfield each year.
"Huddersfield has always been a fairly aware town," added Mr Hughes. "I worked in the Bradford shop before and Huddersfield has always had a lot more support."
