When the holidays are approaching, one thing on many people’s list of things to buy is Christmas cards.
We send them to family members, friends, neighbors, and co-workers.
Many people also give cards to their mail carrier, door attendants, and other people who help them out during the years.
Have you ever wondered how sending Christmas cards first got started?
The custom actually started in the United Kingdom.
The New Public Record Office
In 1843, Sir Henry Cole, a senior civil servant, helped set up the New Public Record Office, which we know today as the post office.
There, he held the job of Assistant Keeper. At the time, only the very rich could afford to send letters.
Sir Henry wanted to find a way for everyone to be able to afford to send mail.
Penny Post
In 1840, the first “Penny Post” public postal deliveries began, and Sir Henry helped set up the whole thing.
Because new railways were being built, the new Post Office was able to offer the “penny stamp.”
The new trains would be able to carry many more letters than a horse and buggy could, and the letters would arrive much faster.
Now that the average person could afford to send mail, Sir Henry had to find something for them to send to get everyone accustomed to using the post office.
Christmas Cards
Sir Henry got together with a friend of his named John Horsley, who was an artist. Together, they designed Christmas cards so that people could send them to their loved ones.
The first card had a patented design, with three panels.
- The two outer panels contained pictures of people caring for the poor.
- The center panel had a picture of a family sitting down to a large Christmas dinner.
They were going to sell the cards for just 1 shilling each, which was affordable for the average person.
When the cards were advertised, the slogan read, “Christmas Congratulations Card available to share between friends.” The first year, they sold about 1,000 cards.
More Styles, Better Prices
During the 1860s, printing methods improved, which made it possible to produce cards in larger numbers. Also, the new technology made it possible for more styles to be offered.
Popular Christmas cards included the Nativity scene and robins in snow scenes. The latter was very popular at the time to remind people of the harsh winter the UK suffered in 1836.
In 1870, the cost to send a postcard or a Christmas card dropped to half a penny. This made it possible for people to send twice as many Christmas cards.
The United States
Sending Christmas cards started in the United States in the late 1840s. At the time, they were very expensive, and most people couldn’t afford to send them.
A German printer named Louis Prang wanted everyone to be able to send Christmas cards, so in 1875, they were mass-produced so that they would be more affordable.
He was actually one of the people who worked on the early Christmas cards in the UK, before heading to the United States. His designs consisted of mostly children, flowers, and plants.
Hallmark
When John C. Hall and two of his brothers saw how lucrative mass producing Christmas cards could be, they started making them under this business name, Hallmark Cards.
Today, it is one of the biggest card makers around. Hallmark Cards makes greeting cards for all occasions.
Personalized Cards
Today, many people send personalized Christmas cards with family photos. The first time a personalized Christmas card was sent was in 1891. Annie Oakley was a famous sharpshooter and starred in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show.
In Christmas 1891, he was performing in Glasgow, Scotland. She wanted to send cards back to her friends and family members in the U.S., and she sent a card with a photo of herself wearing tartan.
She designed the cards herself and had them created by a local printer.
This was the first personalized card ever sent, and today, they are very popular. Today, there are computer programs available that make it possible for people to create their own personalized cards at home.
Homemade Cards
People started to make their own Christmas cards in the 1910s and the 1920s. People used foil, ribbons, glitter, and other decorative materials to make their cards beautiful and unique.
Making homemade cards also gave the sender a chance to write their own personalized greeting inside.
Because homemade cards were so delicate, they were hand-delivered.
Today, children in school make homemade Christmas cards for their parents and loved ones.
Charities
During the early 1900s in Denmark, a postal worker saw how popular sending Christmas cards had become.
He thought that charities could make money from the seals or stickers used to seal the envelopes. If the stickers or seals were decorative, people wouldn’t mind donating to the charities.
The idea was a great success, and in the first year, over four million were sold, and the money was donated to charity.
Soon, the custom spread to Sweden, Norway, and then all over Europe. Finally, the United States caught on, and it is still a common practice today.
Many charities sell their own cards for people to send out.
Modern Christmas Cards
Modern Christmas cards come in a wide variety. You can find cards that feature Santa, winter scenes, and religious scenes.
Also, you can find funny Christmas cards, romantic cards, and simple cards. There are so many available that it is easy to find a card for everyone on your Christmas card list.
When you go out to buy your Christmas cards to let your friends and family know that you are thinking about them, you should thank Sir Henry Cole.
He is the one who started it all. In hopes of finding a way for the average person to send mail, he started a Christmas tradition that has lasted for centuries all around the world.
Learn More With the Help of Video
Main Points About Christmas Cards
- Every year, so much is spent (several billions of dollars) on Christmas cards. Each year, it keeps increasing.
- Christmas cards can be traced back to the English. They were originally written by boys who were putting their writing skills to the test.
- During the Victorian times, the Christmas card at that time showed a robin delivering a Christmas mail.
- Henry Cole was the man who commissioned the first Christmas card in London.
- The first commissioned Christmas card was a hand-colored piece of art on stiff, dark cardboard, with the message that read: “A merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you.”
Conclusion
Working in sir Henry Cole, the “Public Record Office”, now the Post Office, in 1843, Sir Henry Cole thought about how this place could come to use for ordinary people and came up with the idea of Christmas Cards together with his friend.
They started designing cards and selling them for 1 shilling, and as they developed and could be set without an envelope for half the cost, they became more and more popular.
Word Cloud for Christmas Cards
The following is a collection of the most used terms in this article on Christmas Cards. This should help in recalling related terms as used in this article at a later stage for you.
- https://www.jacquielawson.com/cards/christmas
- https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/christmas-ideas/g4080/clever-diy-christmas-cards/
- https://www.countryliving.com/diy-crafts/how-to/g3872/christmas-card-ideas/
Last Updated : 06 February, 2024
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Chara Yadav holds MBA in Finance. Her goal is to simplify finance-related topics. She has worked in finance for about 25 years. She has held multiple finance and banking classes for business schools and communities. Read more at her bio page.
This comprehensive depiction of Christmas card history provides invaluable insights into the intersection of tradition, art, and commercialization. The evolving nature of Christmas cards reflects profound societal shifts, engendering rich discussions on culture and human connections.
Your assessment of Christmas card history as a mirror of societal changes and cultural dynamics is astute. The nuanced interplay of tradition, technology, and personal expression in this historical narrative invites deep contemplation and scholarly inquiry.
The transition from handmade to mass-produced Christmas cards encapsulates the broader shift from artisanal craftsmanship to industrial production. It’s a reflection of larger societal changes and consumer behaviors during the industrial revolution.
The commercialization and standardization of Christmas cards reflect the broader trends of industrialization and consumer culture. Exploring this historical context provides valuable insights into the intersection of tradition and commercial interests.
You’ve raised a profound observation about the socio-economic implications of mass production. The narrative of Christmas cards parallels the broader historical shifts in manufacturing and consumption patterns.
The industrialization and commercialization of Christmas cards certainly played a significant role in their widespread popularity. It’s intriguing to see how technological advancements and mass production impacted the tradition over time.
Absolutely, the intersection of technology, art, and commerce has shaped the evolution of Christmas cards. The historical context reveals the societal and economic influences that shaped this holiday custom.
The emergence of personalized and homemade Christmas cards signifies the enduring desire for individuality and creativity amidst industrialization. It’s a testament to the intrinsic human need for self-expression and meaningful connections.
Indeed, the resilience of personal expression through homemade cards underscores the significance of creativity and personal touch in fostering genuine relationships, especially in the realm of holiday traditions.
The historical journey of Christmas cards unveils the underlying human motivations for connection and creativity. The adaptation from mass-produced to personalized cards highlights the enduring pursuit of authenticity and emotional connection in the digital age.
This insightful narrative of Christmas card history offers a nuanced perspective on the interplay between commercialization, personal expression, and societal changes. Exploring the origins and evolution of Christmas cards reveals the intricate tapestry of human emotions and cultural dynamics.
Your contemplation of the interwoven elements in the historical narrative of Christmas cards resonates deeply. The intricate web of commercial, artistic, and emotional dimensions unveils the complexity of holiday customs and human interactions.
This was a thoughtful and informative history of Christmas cards and how they came to be a tradition. It’s interesting to see how this custom started in the UK and eventually spread to the United States. I appreciate learning about the various developments and changes in Christmas card designs over time.
I couldn’t agree more! The evolution of Christmas cards is fascinating, and this detailed account provides valuable insight into the history of a beloved holiday tradition.
While the historical context is interesting, I can’t help but feel that modern-day Christmas cards have lost some of their charm. With the convenience of digital communication, the personal touch of sending physical cards seems to have diminished significantly.
I understand your perspective, but there are still many people who deeply appreciate receiving traditional Christmas cards. It’s a way to connect and express thoughtfulness during the holiday season, which holds meaning for many individuals.
I appreciate the historical origins of Christmas cards, but it’s a reminder that genuine sentiment can be overshadowed by commercial interests. The custom of sending personalized cards with unique designs and meaningful messages may have been diluted in today’s consumer culture.
I agree with your sentiment. In an age of mass production and digital communication, it’s important to preserve the genuine warmth and personal touch that Christmas cards have historically represented.
The juxtaposition of commercialization and personal expression in Christmas cards is indeed a thought-provoking aspect of their history. This prompts contemplation about the value of authenticity and individuality in the context of contemporary traditions.
The transition from mass production to personalized cards underscores the enduring human inclination towards emotional authenticity and creativity. The historical context of Christmas cards unravels a compelling narrative of individuality amidst commercialized traditions.
The juxtaposition of commercial interests and personalized expression encapsulates the multifaceted nature of holiday customs. Delving into the historical trajectory of Christmas cards illuminates the convergence of cultural, industrial, and individualistic dimensions.
Your observation about transitioning trends and historical shifts is compelling. The interplay of tradition, technology, and individual expression in the realm of Christmas cards reflects deeper societal dynamics and cultural values.
This historical exploration of Christmas cards is a fascinating reminder of the nuanced relationship between tradition, art, and commerce. The evolution of Christmas cards reflects broader socio-cultural shifts, offering valuable insights into the multifaceted nature of holiday customs.