Where did Christmas cards come from?

Christmas cards have become a worldwide phenomenon. People from all over the world will soon be sending cards to friends and family. Sending cards is a popular way to stay in touch and also a means to update friends and family with annual news. Cards have evolved over time and the history of the Christmas card dates back many years. 

English heritage

Christmas cards were first seen in England over 150 years ago. The card was first developed in 1843 by a man called Sir Henry Cole. He wanted a way to reach out to his friends and family and tell them about the plight of the poor that Christmas. He commissioned John Calcott Horsley to paint the first Christmas card. It was a scene of a happy family helping the poor. The message inside the card read, ‘A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you’. This simple card expanded and has today become a multi-million dollar business.

The US was quick to adopt this idea, but it took 30 years before the first Christmas cards were available to buy. In the meantime, people shipped the cards across for England. In 1875, a German immigrant called Louis Prang opened his own lithograph shop and sold the first American Christmas cards. It only took six years for him to be selling over five million cards every year. It is still possible to buy his original cards, but they are usually found in the hands of collectors. These cards came in a number of designs such as winter scenes, glowing fireplaces and children playing in the snow.

American tradition

In the shops today, you will find Christmas cards in a variety of shapes and sizes ranging from spiritual and religious ones to humourous and cute. There are also cards available for every holiday celebrated throughout this time in the US with messages of love and thanks. Sending Christmas cards and news updates has become a tradition for many families, allowing everyone the chance to keep in touch – even if it is only once a year.