Christmas cards have become an iconic part of the holiday season, with millions of people sending and receiving them each year. But have you ever stopped to wonder when this tradition began? The history of Christmas cards is a fascinating one, dating back over a century. Let’s take a closer look at when Christmas cards started and how they have evolved over time.
The tradition of sending Christmas cards can be traced back to the early 19th century in England. It was during this time that Sir Henry Cole, a British civil servant and educator, found himself too busy to write personal Christmas greetings to all of his friends and family. In 1843, he came up with the idea of creating a printed card that could be easily mailed to everyone on his list. He commissioned artist John Calcott Horsley to design the first Christmas card, which featured a festive scene of a family enjoying a Christmas dinner and a message of “A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to You.”
The first Christmas cards were simple and modest compared to the elaborate designs we see today. They were small in size and printed in black and white with hand-colored illustrations. The cards became an instant hit, and soon others began to follow suit, sending their own versions of Christmas greetings to loved ones. The idea caught on quickly, and by the 1860s, the sending of Christmas cards had become a widespread practice in England.
In the United States, the tradition of sending Christmas cards took a bit longer to catch on. It wasn’t until the late 19th century that Christmas cards became popular in America. Louis Prang, a German immigrant who became known as the “father of the American Christmas card,” is credited with popularizing the practice in the U.S. Prang was a skilled lithographer who began mass-producing colorful Christmas cards in the 1870s. His cards featured beautiful illustrations of holiday scenes and were much more ornate than their English counterparts.
As the popularity of Christmas cards grew, so did the variety of designs and styles available. In the early 20th century, advancements in printing technology allowed for more intricate and colorful designs to be produced. The Art Nouveau and Art Deco movements of the early 1900s influenced the design of Christmas cards, with bold colors and geometric patterns becoming popular. By the mid-20th century, Christmas cards had evolved into the colorful and diverse creations that we are familiar with today.
In addition to traditional paper cards, electronic Christmas cards, or e-cards, have become increasingly popular in recent years. With the rise of the internet and social media, sending digital greetings has become a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to traditional cards. E-cards come in a wide range of styles and designs, allowing senders to personalize their messages and send them instantly to friends and family around the world.
Despite the rise of electronic greetings, the tradition of sending Christmas cards remains strong. Many people still enjoy the act of selecting a card, writing a personal message, and sending it through the mail. For some, receiving a tangible card in the mail is a special and meaningful way to connect with loved ones during the holiday season.
So, when did christmas cards start? The tradition of sending Christmas cards began in the early 19th century in England and quickly spread to other parts of the world. What started as a simple and practical solution to a busy schedule has evolved into a beloved holiday tradition that brings joy and cheer to millions of people each year. Whether you prefer traditional paper cards or modern e-cards, the sentiment behind sending Christmas greetings remains the same – spreading love and goodwill to those we care about.