Christmas cards have become an inseparable part of the holiday season. From vibrant, festive designs to heartfelt, handwritten messages, sending and receiving Christmas cards is a tradition cherished around the world. But how did this custom begin? Let’s take a journey through history gifts to uncover the origins of this beloved holiday tradition.
The story of Christmas cards begins in the early 19th century in England. Before this time, people did exchange handwritten letters during the Christmas season, but the tradition of sending specially designed cards had yet to take shape.
In 1843, a pivotal moment in the history of Christmas cards occurred, thanks to Sir Henry Cole, a prominent British civil servant, and artist John Calcott Horsley. Sir Henry Cole, who was the first director of the Victoria and Albert Museum, was instrumental in the development of the postal system in Britain. He wanted to encourage the use of the newly introduced penny postage stamp and make it easier for people to send personal greetings during the holiday season.
To achieve this, Cole commissioned the design of a special Christmas card. The card, which featured a family enjoying Christmas dinner, was printed in color and featured the words “A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to You.” Only 1,000 copies of this card were printed, and they were sold for a shilling each, which was considered a reasonable price at the time. Though not a huge commercial success, this card marked the official birth of the Christmas card tradition as we know it.
While Sir Henry Cole’s card may have had a modest start, the concept quickly caught on. By the 1850s, the practice of sending Christmas cards became more widespread in England, and it wasn’t long before it spread to other countries, including the United States.
In the 1860s, German lithographers began mass-producing Christmas cards, which were sold in the United States. These cards featured intricate designs, such as holly, angels, and other traditional Christmas motifs. They were beautifully crafted, often using embossing, gilding, and other decorative techniques that added a touch of luxury to the greetings.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the popularity of Christmas cards soared. With the advent of photography and color printing, people could now create custom cards featuring their own family photos or local scenes, giving the cards a more personal touch. As industrialization made printing techniques more affordable, Christmas cards became accessible to a wider range of people, further cementing their place in holiday traditions.
As the years went on, Christmas cards evolved both in terms of design and messaging. In the early days, the cards were simple, often featuring religious or festive imagery. However, by the 20th century, more diverse themes emerged, reflecting different cultural traditions and modern aesthetics. Some cards were humorous, others were artistic, and some focused on winter scenes or the arrival of Santa Claus.
The golden age of Christmas card production occurred in the early to mid-20th century, especially during the post-World War II period. The rise of greeting card companies like Hallmark and American Greetings in the 1930s and 1940s brought an explosion of new designs and styles. The Christmas card industry became a booming business, with new cards appearing on store shelves every year.
By this time, the cards were not just about wishing someone a merry Christmas but also about sharing a message of joy, love, and goodwill. People began to send cards to a wide network of family, friends, colleagues, and acquaintances. The tradition grew so popular that it became expected for people to exchange Christmas cards, and by the 1950s, Americans were sending approximately 1.5 billion cards every year.
The digital age has had a significant impact on the tradition of Christmas cards. With the advent of email, social media, and e-cards, sending physical cards has decreased over time, especially among younger generations. However, many people still value the tangible and personal nature of a traditional Christmas card.
Today, Christmas cards are available in an endless variety of styles, from traditional to modern, simple to extravagant. Many people still enjoy the process of choosing the perfect card, writing a personalized message, and mailing it out to loved ones. Others opt for more eco-friendly options, such as sending electronic cards or creating digital designs to share on social media.
Despite the rise of digital alternatives, the act of sending and receiving Christmas cards remains deeply meaningful to many. For some, it's a way to reconnect with old friends and distant relatives, to show appreciation for those they may not see often. For others, it’s about keeping alive a beloved tradition, carrying on the spirit of giving, and spreading cheer during the holiday season.
Christmas cards are not just about the act of sending; they also reflect the spirit of the season. Each card serves as a small, tangible gesture of kindness and connection. A beautifully designed card can bring joy to a recipient, offering a moment of festivity and cheer in a busy, often hectic time of year.
From Sir Henry Cole’s first commissioned card in 1843 to the thousands of designs available today, Christmas cards have become an enduring holiday tradition that spans centuries. While their form and delivery have evolved over time, the essence of the Christmas card remains the same: a heartfelt message to those we care about, a way to celebrate the season, and a reminder of the importance of connection and goodwill.
So, the next time you sit down to write your holiday greetings, remember you are participating in a tradition that has a rich history and continues to spread joy across the world, one card at a time.
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Corazon Boettcher Chairman