What is the History of Christmas Cards?

When Was the First Greeting Card Sent?

The first known Christmas card was sent in 1611 by Michael Maier to James I of England and his son Henry Frederick, Prince of Wales. The card was hand-made and incorporated Rosicrucian imagery, with the words of the greeting forming a rose. The rather long-winded greeting reads:

"A greeting on the birthday of the Sacred King, to the most worshipful and energetic lord and most eminent James, King of Great Britain and Ireland, and Defender of the true faith, with a gesture of joyful celebration of the Birthday of the Lord, in most joy and fortune, we enter into the new auspicious year 1612"

Thankfully, greetings have become a little more succinct over the years!

Where did the Tradition of Christmas Cards Come From?

The tradition of sending Christmas cards began in England in 1843. Sir Henry Cole, a government official who helped organize the Great Exhibition of 1851, was looking for a way to save time and money when sending holiday greetings to his large circle of friends and acquaintances. His solution? Mass-produced greeting cards!

Cole commissioned artist John Calcott Horsley to create a holiday design, and 1,000 copies were printed and sold for a shilling each. These first Christmas cards featured a family enjoying a holiday feast, with the words "A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to You" at the bottom. Though Cole's idea was met with some criticism (many thought the cards were too expensive), they quickly caught on and became a holiday staple.

Prior to Henry Cole's invention, people typically sent handwritten letters to wish one another a Merry Christmas. These letters were often quite lengthy, as they were used as a way to catch up on all the news of the past year. Cole's mass-produced cards allowed people to send holiday greetings without having to write a long letter - perfect for busy folks!

How did Sending Christmas Cards Become a Tradition?

Sending Christmas cards is a tradition for many people. For some, it is a way to stay in touch with friends and family. For others, it is a way to show their holiday spirit. Whatever the reason, sending Christmas cards is a cherished tradition for many people. But Christmas cards didn't become a tradition overnight - it took many years for the practice to catch on.

Here are a few reasons why Christmas cards became so popular:

1. They're convenient.

Sending Christmas cards is a lot easier than writing long, handwritten letters.Christmas cards can be bought or ordered in bulk, which makes them a time- and cost-effective way to spread holiday cheer.

2. They're personal.

Even though Christmas cards are often mass-produced, they still feel personal because they're typically customized with the recipient's name and address. This makes recipients feel special and appreciated, which is why Christmas cards are such a popular way to show someone you care. If you can't send a gift or won't see the person you're thinking of over the holidays, a Christmas card is the next best thing.

3. They're fun to receive.

Who doesn't love getting mail? Christmas cards are a fun way to brighten someone's day and make them feel loved and appreciated. Receiving a holiday card is a surefire way to spread some holiday cheer.

4. They're festive.

Christmas cards are always decked out in holiday cheer, from bright colours and cheerful designs to festive greetings and messages. This seasonal flair is sure to put a smile on everyone's face, no matter what their political beliefs are!

How did Christmas Cards Become Popular?

Christmas cards gradually became more and more popular in England, and the practice soon spread to other parts of the world. In the United States, Christmas cards were first popularized by Louis Prang, a German immigrant who started a printing company in Boston. Prang is credited with introducing America to the art of chromolithography, which is the process of printing colour images using lithography.

Thanks to Prang's innovative printing techniques, Christmas cards in the United States began to look more and more like the colourful cards we know today. Americans quickly took to this new tradition, and Christmas cards soon became a staple of holiday celebrations.

Are Christmas Cards a Thing of the Past?

Christmas cards are still a big part of many people's Christmas traditions. While they may be less popular than they once were, they are still sent by many people. Christmas cards are an important tradition for many people, and they are unlikely to disappear entirely. In recent years e-cards have become more and more popular, but traditional Christmas cards are still sent by a large number of people.

Which Country Sends the Most Christmas Cards?

The United States is the country that sends the most Christmas cards, followed by Germany and the United Kingdom. While Christmas cards may seem like a thing of the past in today's digital world, they're still very much a part of many people's holiday traditions. So whether you send a traditional card or a modern e-card, take a moment to think of the history behind this time-honoured tradition.

When Should you Send Christmas Cards?

Christmas cards can be sent at any time during the holiday season. This allows the recipient to enjoy the card throughout the holidays. If you want to make sure your card arrives on time, it's best to send it a few weeks before Christmas Day.

What Should you Write in a Christmas Card?

When writing a Christmas card, it's important to personalise the message. A generic "Merry Christmas" is fine, but adding a personal touch will make the card more special. You can wish the recipient a happy holiday season, share your favourite holiday memory, or simply express your best wishes for the upcoming year. Whatever you write, make sure it comes from the heart.