The holiday season might look a little different this year, but many traditions remain the same, such as the simple joy of sending – and receiving – a special card from a friend or family member.

“We are getting orders from all over the country,” said Erin Rice, chief development officer for Pine Tree Society. “We are seeing first-hand how people are getting back to basics and realizing how much a hand written card means and how it forges connections with loved ones during this time of physical distancing.”

Pine Tree Society’s holiday cards have been a Maine tradition for 50 years. In the 1960s, Pine Tree Society had the idea that a Maine-themed holiday card would be a perfect fundraiser. Since that time, annual sales have raised over $3 million dollars to support and transform the lives of Maine people with disabilities.

One hundred percent of proceeds from annual holiday card sales support Pine Tree Society’s programs and help Maine people with disabilities lead richer, more socially connected lives.

This year, Pine Tree Society brought back two of its most popular cards, Sandy Crabtree’s “Winter Sunlight” and Carlton Plummer’s “Dover-Foxcroft Village.”  These cards are beautiful renderings of one of Maine’s most photographed lighthouses and a quintessential Maine village during the holidays.

Sandy Crabtree’s paintings have been featured on Pine Tree Society’s holiday cards 12 times. She is a noted children’s book illustrator and a longtime Bath resident who taught at Morse High School for nearly 30 years.

Plummer, who passed away in February, was born in Brunswick and spent his childhood on his grandparents’ farm outside Augusta before attending art school in Boston.  He served as a combat artist during the Vietnam War before going on to become a full-time painter and professor of art.

Holiday cards can be ordered online at here or by calling 207-386-5912.