WHAT do your Christmas cards say about you? Well, a whole lot more than you think.

You may believe you choose your Christmas cards for their pretty design, cheerful message or beautiful colours -- but psychologists say you would be wrong to think that.

According to Dr David Holmes, a psychologist at Manchester Metropolitan University, the cards you pick send hidden messages about you and your true feelings towards the recipients.

"Over a billion Christmas cards will be delivered in the UK over the next few weeks," said Dr Holmes.

"Obviously, when buying Christmas cards we all choose the ones we like, so we are inevitably giving away an awful lot about our personality.

"It is particularly interesting when choosing which card to send to whom from a selection box of different designs -- it is then that we reveal our true feelings towards that person.

"For example, to send what seems to be a fairly innocent picture of candles and baubles can actually have a Freudian interpretation relating to phallic symbolism, suggesting that the feelings you have towards that person can be more than just platonic."

The seasonal research, commissioned by card and gift specialists company Studio, reveals our subconscious reasons for sending particular cards.

A card bearing an angel, for example, indicates a powerful sense of romance and suggests that the sender truly cares for the recipient.

Gold and reds also hint at passion and warmth, while comic cards are more likely to be sent by shy or reserved characters who find it difficult to express their feelings and hide behind the jokey message.

But humorous cards from workmates should be interpreted differently -- as they are often used by the sender to create a sense of team spirit.

Countryside and winter garden scenes are giveaway signs of loners, as are frosty colours such as silver, white and pale blue -- they suggest an artistic but subdued temperament.

Deeply traditional characters will find themselves choosing cards similar to those their parents sent. Unlike those who revolt against their childhood by sending simple, monochrome cards, these senders revel in Victorian street or fireplace scenes, teddy bears and geese.

It seems the best people to know are those sending cards with snowmen or penguins on them.

Far from being frosty, snowman lovers will be very sincere softies with a keen intellect, while penguin fanciers demonstrate taste, style, sophistication and a terrific sense of humour.

Rae Roper, marketing manager for Studio, said: "On a personal level, I can't wait to start moving my way along the mantelpiece and finding out that bit more about my friends and family!"

A free copy of the Studio Christmas book is available from 0800 3288822. What cards reveal about the sender Angels -- Caring and loving, a strong romantic. Love might be in the air for the recipient of this card.

Baubles -- A single bauble on its own suggests a shy individual; with a candle, it becomes a phallic symbol suggestive of a strong sexual attraction.

Christmas tree -- Without presents or decor, a plain tree hints at a loner. If decorated, however, it shows they have happy childhood memories.

Christmas puddings -- If the sender is female, it might well be a flirtatious attempt to draw her attention to her chest!

Comic/cartoon -- Familiarity without emotion. This person is afraid to show their true feelings.

Country landscape -- Tasteful and charming, these senders have a real difficulty in letting their hair down. These people only stay for one drink at the office Christmas party just to be polite.

Dolphins -- This sender has high ideals and will stick to their values against all odds.

Doves -- A spiritual character who prides themselves on honesty and reliability.

Father Christmas -- Indicates someone with a childish honesty and innocence.

Frosty colours (silver, white, pale blue) -- A cool customer who doesn't like to give too much away about themselves.

Geese -- A sentimental sender with cravings for a bygone age. It would be a dream come true for them to wake up as a character in a Jane Austen novel.

Gold -- On its own, gold represents a tasteful and stylish character. Teamed with red, it demonstrates passion and warmth.

Holly -- Slow but steady, this is a reliable character who tends to play everything a bit too safely. As evergreens remain unchanged throughout the year, there's also a chance that there is a fear of getting old.

Musical -- Senders of musical cards have a vicious sense of humour but are easily bored.

Penguins -- Stylish, sophisticated and a fantastic sense of humour.

Presents -- The sender is a bright and cheerful as the card they post.

Religious -- These people have very traditional beliefs and like messages to have depth and impact.

Robins -- The sender, like the robin, is a small, solitary character who succeeds against all odds.

Round cards -- A well-intentioned character who means no harm but leaves chaos in their wake.

Slim cards -- Artistic and elegant.

Snowman -- A real softie who makes a sincere friend and admirer. Unusually sensitive to other people's needs, they have a strong intellectual bent.

Square cards -- A very practical character who is unquestionably down to earth.

Star -- These characters aim high and yearn for world peace.

Stocking -- This character has always loved Christmas but misses the excitement of childhood celebrations.

Teddy bear -- A sentimental sender with child-like enthusiasm. PIC 1 ROCKING ROBIN: You succeed against the odds (PDSA) PIC 2 BETHLEHEM STAR: You like to have depth and impact (Helpcards) PIC 3 SOFTIE SNOWMAN: You are sensitive to others (PDSA) PIC 4 PRANCING PENGUIN : You like a laugh (British Heart Foundation) PIC 5 MUSICAL NOTE: You are easily bored (Studio) PIC 6 DREAMING DOLPHIN : You stick to your values (Studio) PIC 7 COMEDY CHRISTMAS: You hide your true feelings (Studio)