When did Christmas cards start? The tradition of exchanging Christmas cards dates back to the 19th century, with the first official Christmas card believed to have been designed in England in 1843. The idea of sending holiday greetings in card form quickly caught on, and soon became a beloved holiday tradition that continues to this day.
The concept of sending holiday greetings in written form has been around for centuries, with the earliest known example dating back to the early 15th century. However, it wasn’t until the mid-19th century that Christmas cards as we know them today began to take shape.
The first commercial Christmas card is credited to Sir Henry Cole, a British civil servant and educator. In 1843, Cole found himself overwhelmed with the task of writing individual Christmas greetings to friends and family. Looking for a more efficient way to send his holiday wishes, he enlisted the help of his artist friend, John Callcott Horsley, to create a design that could be mass-produced and sent out to multiple recipients.
Horsley’s design featured a festive scene of a family enjoying a Christmas dinner, complete with images of people engaging in acts of charity. The card also included the message, “A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to You,” a sentiment that remains a classic holiday greeting to this day.
The first Christmas card was printed on stiff cardboard and featured colorful, hand-painted illustrations. It was an immediate success, and Cole quickly began selling copies of the card for a shilling each. The idea of sending printed Christmas cards soon caught on, and by 1860, the practice had become widespread throughout England and the United States.
The popularity of Christmas cards continued to grow throughout the 19th century, thanks in part to improvements in printing technology that made them more affordable and accessible to the general public. By the late 1800s, Christmas cards had become a staple of the holiday season, with millions of cards being exchanged each year.
During the Victorian era, Christmas cards took on a more elaborate and ornate style, with intricate designs, embossing, and decorative elements such as lace, ribbons, and glitter. These extravagant cards were often displayed prominently in homes as part of the holiday decorations, adding to the festive atmosphere of the season.
In the early 20th century, the popularity of Christmas cards continued to soar, with new designs and styles being introduced to meet the demands of a growing market. By this time, Christmas cards were being produced on a mass scale by printing companies, making them even more affordable and accessible to consumers.
Over the years, Christmas cards have evolved to encompass a wide range of styles, from traditional religious imagery to whimsical cartoons and humorous greetings. Today, there are countless options available for consumers to choose from, including personalized cards that can be customized with photos, messages, and even music.
While the practice of sending Christmas cards has become somewhat less common in recent years due to the rise of digital communication, many people still cherish the tradition of sending and receiving physical cards during the holiday season. There is something special about receiving a handwritten card in the mail, knowing that someone took the time and effort to send you a personal greeting.
In conclusion, the tradition of sending Christmas cards dates back to the 19th century, with the first official card believed to have been designed in 1843. Since then, Christmas cards have become a beloved holiday tradition that brings joy and cheer to recipients around the world. Whether you prefer traditional designs or modern styles, there is a Christmas card out there for everyone to enjoy. So, when did christmas cards start? The answer is in the 19th century, thanks to the creativity and ingenuity of Sir Henry Cole and John Callcott Horsley.