It’s the most wonderful time of the year – a season of joy and giving, of carols and tinsel and, of course, the humble but much-loved Christmas card. Have you ever wondered how this tradition came to be? The history of the Christmas card goes back to the early 19th century, and it’s a tale that’s as intriguing as it is heart-warming.
The first Christmas cards were not actually cards at all; they were painted on wood or printed on single sheets of paper. In 1843, Sir Henry Cole, a senior civil servant in London, commissioned artist John Calcott Horsley to design a card he could send to family and friends. The card featured a festive scene of a family enjoying a Christmas dinner, and it carried the now-familiar message, “A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to You.” Cole had a thousand copies printed and sold them for a shilling each. The idea caught on, and by the end of the century, millions of Christmas cards were being sent every year.
In the early days, Christmas cards were expensive and thus, a luxury only the wealthy could afford. The cost of postage was also high, so cards were often hand-delivered. However, advancements in printing and transportation made it possible for cards to be mass-produced and sent through the post. This development made it possible for people across the country to connect and exchange messages of goodwill and holiday cheer.
Throughout the years, the style and design of Christmas cards have evolved to reflect changing trends and values. The Victorians favoured elaborate, ornate designs with sentimental messages, while the Edwardians preferred simpler, nature-inspired designs. During World War I, cards featuring patriotic themes and messages of support for the troops were widely popular. Today, Christmas cards come in a myriad of styles and designs, from traditional to humorous, religious to secular and everything in between.
Despite the rise of digital communication, the tradition of sending Christmas cards remains an important part of UK culture. It’s still a way to keep in touch with loved ones and express gratitude and good wishes.
The story of the Christmas card is a reminder of the power of human connection and the enduring value of tradition. From its humble beginnings as a hand-painted greeting to its place in modern culture as a mass-produced form of communication, the Christmas card has come a long way. Even as we embrace digital technology and new forms of communication, there’s something special about taking the time to choose and send a physical card to someone. So this Christmas season, why not bring a smile to someone’s face by sending them a Christmas card? As the old saying goes, “A Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”
Further Reading: The Holly and the Ivy
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