The tradition of sending Christmas cards has been around for centuries, but when exactly did it start? The history of Christmas cards dates back to the early 19th century in Britain, where the first commercial Christmas card was produced. Let’s delve into the origins of this beloved holiday tradition and learn more about when Christmas cards started.
The idea of sending festive greetings during the holiday season has been around for centuries, with examples of handwritten notes and letters exchanged during Christmas dating back as far as the 15th century. However, it wasn’t until the 19th century that the commercial production of Christmas cards began.
The first commercially produced Christmas card is credited to Sir Henry Cole, a British civil servant and inventor. In 1843, Sir Henry found himself too busy to write individual Christmas greetings to his friends and family, so he commissioned artist John Callcott Horsley to design a card that he could simply send to everyone. The card featured a festive scene of a family enjoying Christmas dinner and included the message, “A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to You.”
Sir Henry’s Christmas card proved to be a hit, and soon the practice of sending commercially produced Christmas cards caught on in Britain. The cards were initially known as “Christmas tablets” and were printed on sturdy paper with colorful illustrations and festive messages. Early Christmas cards often featured traditional Christmas symbols such as holly, mistletoe, and snow-covered landscapes.
By the late 19th century, advances in printing technology made it easier and more affordable to produce Christmas cards on a larger scale. This led to an explosion in the popularity of sending Christmas cards, with millions being exchanged each year. By the turn of the century, Christmas cards had become an integral part of the holiday season, with elaborate designs and sentimental messages capturing the spirit of Christmas.
In America, the tradition of sending Christmas cards took a bit longer to catch on. The high cost of postage and the lack of a reliable postal system made it impractical for most Americans to send Christmas cards in the early 19th century. However, with the expansion of the postal service and the adoption of new printing techniques, the popularity of Christmas cards began to grow in the United States as well.
One of the key factors that helped popularize Christmas cards in America was the introduction of the first commercially produced Christmas card in the country. Louis Prang, a German immigrant who had established a successful printing business in Boston, is credited with producing the first Christmas card in the United States in the 1870s. Prang’s cards featured intricate designs and vibrant colors, setting a new standard for Christmas card production.
As the practice of sending Christmas cards became more widespread, it also evolved to include new styles and themes. In addition to traditional Christmas symbols, cards began to feature images of Santa Claus, angels, and other holiday motifs. The rise of the Arts and Crafts movement in the late 19th and early 20th centuries also had an influence on Christmas card design, with many artists and designers creating handmade and personalized cards.
Today, Christmas cards come in all shapes and sizes, from traditional folded cards with handwritten messages to digital e-cards sent via email. Despite the changing trends in communication and technology, the tradition of sending Christmas cards remains as popular as ever. For many people, receiving a heartfelt Christmas card in the mail is a cherished part of the holiday season.
In conclusion, the tradition of sending Christmas cards dates back to the early 19th century in Britain, where the first commercially produced Christmas card was introduced by Sir Henry Cole. The practice of sending Christmas cards quickly caught on in both Britain and America, becoming an integral part of the holiday season. Over the years, Christmas cards have evolved to include a wide range of designs and styles, but their message of spreading joy and good wishes remains the same. So, the next time you send or receive a Christmas card, take a moment to appreciate the rich history and traditions behind this beloved holiday tradition. [1]
when did christmas cards start
[1] Haynes, T. (2012). Christmas Card History. Retrieved from https://www.hometraditions.com/christmas-card-history.html