Updated: Wrap up a grim business year with a laugh, Hallmark style

Your workplace colleagues have lost their jobs. You're working 12-hour days, plus weekends, and your retirement account is in start-over mode.

Need a good cry? How about a laugh, instead. It's the ultimate survival strategy, isn't it?

In light of the tough times, Hallmark Cards surveyed more than 2,300 consumers to find out if they'd prefer humorous or straight-laced business holiday greeting cards.

The results: More than half of the respondents said they'd rather receive a light humor card, while 49 percent desired traditional business cards.

In addition, the survey noted that 65 percent of respondents said receiving a humorous business greeting card "would result in a positive feeling towards the company."

The research found that humor is more acceptable coming from professions and industries such as real estate, health services, human resources, and insurance.

Hmmmm. I'd sure like to see the humorous side of my doctor or insurance agent.