With the holiday season fast approaching, many people are preparing to send out Christmas cards to their friends and family. But have you ever wondered when the tradition of sending Christmas cards actually started?
The practice of sending Christmas cards dates back to the early 19th century in England. It was during this time that the idea of sending well-wishes for the holiday season through the mail began to gain popularity. Before this, people would typically exchange handwritten letters or small gifts to convey their Christmas greetings.
The very first Christmas card is believed to have been created by Sir Henry Cole in 1843. Cole was a civil servant who found himself overwhelmed during the holiday season with the task of writing out numerous Christmas greetings. To alleviate some of the burden, he commissioned artist John Callcott Horsley to design a card that could be printed multiple times and sent out to his family and friends.
The resulting card featured a festive scene of a family enjoying a Christmas dinner and included the greeting “A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to You.” The cards were produced in black and white and were then hand-colored by a team of professional artists. Around 1,000 of these cards were printed and sold for one shilling each.
The idea of sending Christmas cards quickly caught on, and by the late 19th century, the practice had spread to the United States and other parts of the world. As printing technology improved, the cards became more elaborate, featuring colorful illustrations, intricate designs, and even embossed elements.
In addition to traditional Christmas scenes, such as nativity scenes and winter landscapes, cards began to feature popular holiday symbols like Santa Claus, snowmen, and Christmas trees. Some cards also had a religious theme, with images of angels, crosses, and biblical verses.
During the Victorian era, it became fashionable for people to exchange Christmas cards as a sign of social status and good manners. The cards were often displayed on mantelpieces or in the parlor as a decorative element, and receiving a card from a friend or loved one was considered a special gesture.
By the early 20th century, Christmas cards had become a staple of the holiday season, with millions of cards being sent each year. The advent of new printing techniques, such as lithography and offset printing, made it easier and more affordable to produce cards in large quantities, leading to a proliferation of designs and styles.
During World War II, the production of Christmas cards was briefly interrupted due to paper shortages and rationing. However, the tradition resumed after the war, and the popularity of sending Christmas cards continued to grow in the post-war era.
In recent years, the tradition of sending Christmas cards has evolved with the rise of digital communication. While many people still prefer to send traditional paper cards through the mail, others opt for electronic cards or social media greetings. Despite these changes, the sentiment behind sending Christmas cards remains the same – a way to spread holiday cheer, express goodwill towards others, and stay connected with loved ones.
So, when did christmas cards start? The tradition of sending Christmas cards began in the early 19th century in England and quickly spread around the world. Today, Christmas cards are a beloved holiday tradition that continues to bring joy and happiness to both senders and recipients alike.