The Origin Of Christmas Cards: A Journey Through History

It is that time of the year again when the holiday season is in full swing, with carolers singing, decorations shining, and families coming together to celebrate Christmas. One popular tradition during this festive time is the exchange of Christmas cards. But have you ever wondered when did christmas cards start and how did this tradition come about?

The custom of sending Christmas cards dates back to the Victorian era in the 19th century. Before the invention of Christmas cards, people used to send handwritten letters to their loved ones during the holiday season. However, this was a time-consuming and expensive process, as each letter had to be individually written by hand and delivered by mail.

The first Christmas card is believed to have been created by Sir Henry Cole, a British civil servant, and his friend, John Horsley, an artist, in 1843. The card featured a festive scene of a family enjoying Christmas dinner and was printed in color. The card also included the message, “A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to You,” which would later become a popular greeting on Christmas cards.

The idea of sending Christmas cards quickly caught on in Britain and soon spread to other parts of the world. In the United States, the custom of sending Christmas cards gained popularity during the Civil War when soldiers on the battlefield would write letters to their families back home, including holiday greetings.

By the late 19th century, the production of Christmas cards had become big business, with companies mass-producing cards in various designs and styles. The cards were often embellished with glitter, foil, and other decorative elements to make them more festive and eye-catching.

One of the most famous early Christmas card designs is the “Robins” card, created by British artist Louis Prang in the 1870s. The card featured a charming illustration of two robins perched on a branch surrounded by snowflakes, which became a popular motif for Christmas cards.

As the years went by, the tradition of sending Christmas cards continued to evolve. In the early 20th century, the invention of new printing techniques allowed for more elaborate and colorful designs to be printed on cards. Pop-up cards, musical cards, and even cards with moving parts became popular during this time.

During World War II, Christmas cards took on a new significance as a means of keeping in touch with loved ones who were serving overseas. Soldiers would often send Christmas cards to their families back home, and receiving a card from a serviceman was considered a special and heartfelt gesture.

In the modern era, the tradition of sending Christmas cards has remained strong, although the rise of digital communication has led to a decline in the use of traditional paper cards. Many people now opt to send electronic Christmas cards via email or social media platforms, which can be customized with photos, music, and animations.

Despite these changes, the charm and sentimentality of sending a physical Christmas card have not been entirely lost. Many people still appreciate the personal touch of receiving a hand-written card in the mail, especially during the holiday season.

In conclusion, the tradition of sending Christmas cards has a long and storied history that dates back to the 19th century. From humble beginnings as a simple greeting between friends, Christmas cards have evolved into a cherished tradition that brings joy and warmth to people around the world during the holiday season. So, this year, as you prepare to send out your Christmas cards, take a moment to reflect on the rich history and tradition behind this beloved custom.