
Where did the tradition of sending Christmas cards originate?
There is a recorded history of Christmas card giving, and it goes back to the middle of the 19th century. Sir Henry Cole commissioned John Calcott Horsley in 1843 to print him the first Christmas card. Sir Cole was a close friend of Horsley and came up with the idea of sending these greeting cards to loved ones on a special occasion.
Who started sending Christmas cards?
Method 1 Method 1 of 3: Choosing a Christmas Card
- Make a list of people to send cards to. Like Santa, you'll want to make a list and check it twice. ...
- Choose an appropriate card design. Select a Christmas card that fits with the holiday or appeals to your loved ones.
- Order a custom printed card. ...
- Make a homemade Christmas card. ...
Who sent and received the first Christmas card?
Christmas cards started in the the Victorian era with the first card being sent and received in 1843. The first Christmas card was received by Sir Henry Cole who set up the Public Record Office ...
When did the custom of sending Christmas cards begin?
The custom of sending Christmas cards, as we know them today, was started in the UK in 1843 by Sir Henry Cole. He was a senior civil servant (Government worker) who had helped set-up the new 'Public Record Office' (now called the Post Office), where he was an Assistant Keeper, and wondered how it could be used more by ordinary people.

How did the tradition of Christmas cards begin?
The first “real” Christmas card was the brainchild of Sir Henry Cole, a dedicated civil-servant and scholar in the United Kingdom. Sir Cole had just worked to pass a reform that lowered the cost of postage to a single penny (the “penny post”) to encourage British citizens of all walks of life to use the postal system.
Who started the tradition of Christmas cards?
Louis Prang, a Prussian immigrant with a print shop near Boston, is credited with creating the first Christmas card originating in the United States in 1875. It was very different from Cole and Horsley's of 30 years prior, in that it didn't even contain a Christmas or holiday image.
When did people first start sending Christmas cards?
1843Our founding director, Henry Cole, sent the first Christmas card in 1843.
Which country started sending Christmas cards?
EnglandThe first Christmas card, as the term is now understood, is believed to have been designed in England in 1843 by John Callcott Horsley. An edition of 1,000 hand-coloured copies was placed on sale in London.
Why do we send cards at Christmas?
The first Christmas card created had hand drawn images of adults and children raising their wine glasses in a toast. Sending Christmas cards started in England in 1843. Before this time, people used to send private notes wishing Merry Christmas, this was also done for births and to wish a happy new year.
Who was the first person to send a Christmas card?
Henry ColeReproduction of the Christmas card designed by John Callcott Horsley for Henry Cole in 1843. This is recognised as the first Christmas card ever sent.
Why do we send greeting cards?
Why the giving of a greeting card is so important in 2020(1) To Make a Real Connection.(2) Give Them Something to Open on Their Birthday.(3) Greeting Cards Are a Reminder of Joy.(4) Show Someone You Are Thinking Of Them.(5) Give Them Something to Keep.
Which country sends the most Christmas cards?
The Netherlands are far ahead with 90%. Despite the fact that traditional Christmas cards remain firm favourites, the technological variations are currently on the up.
Why were Victorian Christmas cards Creepy?
Such novelty cards can be traced back to the Victorians, who “had a delightful childlike taste in what they considered artistic pleasures and enjoyments beneath the discipline in their daily lives”. Over the years, these designs ranged from humanised animals and birds, to scary, and even occasionally violent clowns.
What is the purpose of holiday cards?
Holiday cards are a reflection of your sentiment during the holiday season and often make family and friends feel better. You can make someone smile with a heartfelt message or a funny Christmas photo they can't get anywhere else.
Why were Victorian Christmas cards Creepy?
Such novelty cards can be traced back to the Victorians, who “had a delightful childlike taste in what they considered artistic pleasures and enjoyments beneath the discipline in their daily lives”. Over the years, these designs ranged from humanised animals and birds, to scary, and even occasionally violent clowns.
What was on the first ever Christmas card?
The card itself, as designed by John Callcott Horsley, consisted of three panels. A central panel showed the Cole family gathered around their Christmas feast raising their brim-full wine glasses to toast the health of the recipient. Beneath them was the message "A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU."
What 2 Christmas traditions did the Victorians introduce?
Victorian Christmas TraditionsChristmas Inspired by Royalty. Several of the traditions we know and love today are rooted in Germanic heritage thanks to Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert. ... Decorating Christmas Trees. ... Turkey or Festive Bird for Dinner. ... Giving Gifts. ... A Pudding with a Twist. ... Gifts of Gratitude.
When did Christmas card giving start?
Sir Henry Cole commissioned John Calcott Horsley in 1843 to print him the first Christmas card.
When did greeting cards become popular?
After Sir Cole’s Christmas cards became popular, holiday greeting cards become widely popular in England through the late 19th century and for the entirety of the 20th century. People started to create more elaborate cards in terms of shape and decoration.
What is the biggest change in Christmas cards from 30 years ago?
Probably the biggest change in Christmas cards from 30 years is the growth of photography on cards. Being able to include a family photo in a chosen setting seems to be the avenue of choice for many households.
Why did the penny post start?
It was an alternative way to send greetings to everyone during Christmas time because he didn’t have the time to write letters. When the Penny Post service started in the Victorian times, it became a widely accepted tradition to send out cards. Check out message ideas for Christmas Cards.
Why did the printing industry increase in popularity?
This not only helped improve their popularity due to the easier availability of a larger number of designs, cost-effectiveness further increased their acceptance.
Do teens have to address envelopes for Christmas?
But it is not the tradition any longer. In fact, the current teen generation doesn’t even know how to properly address envelopes. Still, even e-cards have not been able to replace the tradition of greeting cards.
Is Christmas card obsolete?
In an age of the Internet, Facebook and smartphones, Christmas cards are viewed by some as being obsolete. A few years ago, e-cards appeared to be the ideal alternative to greeting cards. However, they really haven’t been as big of a force as initially thought.
