The History of the Christmas Card is so fascinating. I want to share my discovery of the enchanting 180-year history of Christmas cards, from Victorian origins to today’s cherished holiday tradition.
So, let me set the stage for tonight’s journey through Christmas card history. Imagine it’s a frosty December evening, and you’re holding a beautifully decorated box full of Christmas cards. Maybe it is a little dusty from being tucked away in the attic or in the basement under the stairs. As you open it, you take a deep breath and get a faint whiff of holiday nostalgia fills your lungs. You can almost see a ghostly shadow of Christmases past flickering in candlelight. Here’s where our story begins, with a tale spanning nearly two centuries and capturing the charm of handwritten Christmas greetings.
Let the Christmas Card Journey Begin in Victorian Era
Let’s step back in time to 1843. Sir Henry Cole, a prominent Englishman, faced a holiday dilemma. Sir Henry wasn’t just anyone; he was deeply involved in the arts and well-known in Victorian society. He wanted to send greetings to friends and business partners, but writing letters would take forever. Then he had a groundbreaking idea! Why not create a holiday card?
He reached out to artist friend John Callcott Horsley to create the first-ever Christmas card. Horsley’s creation was a hit! It showed a cheerful family feasting around a table, with scenes of charitable acts on either side. And just like that, the first commercial Christmas card was born.
But Wait! Sir Henry wasn’t the first person to think of a holiday greeting card. The earliest known Christmas card dates back to 1611, over 200 years before Sir Henry’s. This mysterious card, created by Michael Maier and sent to King James I of England, included Rosicrucian1 symbols. Lost for centuries, it was rediscovered in 1979, proving even old holiday greetings can resurface in surprising ways!
- According to Wikipedia: Rosicrucianism (/ˌroʊzɪˈkruːʃəˌnɪzəm, ˌrɒzɪ-/) is a spiritual and cultural movement that arose in early modern Europe in the early 17th century after the publication of several texts announcing to the world a new esoteric order.
The Victorian Boom – Odd and Enchanting Cards
Fast-forward back to the 1800’s Victorian era when Christmas cards took off like a sleigh ride downhill. By the 1860s, improved printing technology allowed mass production. But Victorian cards weren’t always merry and bright like today’s. Imagine a card featuring a toad in a top hat or a family of mice having a holiday feast. Victorians even sent cards with dead birds on them! I don’t know about you but in my opinion it’s not exactly cheerful, but each design held symbolic meaning at the time.
Then came Louis Prang, known as the “Father of the American Christmas Card.” In 1875, Prang, a German immigrant, saw the Christmas card trend sweeping England and thought, “Why not bring it here?” He began mass-producing beautiful, affordable cards. By 1881, Prang was printing over five million cards a year, igniting a full-blown Christmas card craze in the U.S.!
Christmas Card Journey – From Vintage to Vibrant
Over the years, Christmas card designs evolved with the times. Victorians loved elaborate designs with embossed paper, cut-out lace, and ribbons. In the 1920s and 30s, Art Deco influenced card styles with sleek, geometric patterns. And the 1940s and 50s? That was the “Golden Age” of Christmas cards, with classic images of Santa, frosty windows, and cozy fireplaces bringing warmth to those challenging decades.
The wild 60s and 70s brought psychedelic, counterculture flair to holiday cards with bold colors and funky shapes. If you’ve ever seen a neon Christmas tree with peace signs, you’ve glimpsed the 70s in all its groovy glory. Each decade’s cards tell a story of their time, capturing the art, culture, and whimsy of the era.
Penny Post and Hallmark – The Industry Grows
Here’s a fun fact: Christmas cards might’ve stayed a luxury if not for the 1840 invention of the “Penny Post,” which made mailing affordable. Now, more people could share holiday cheer without breaking the bank. Then in 1915, a company you may have heard of—Hallmark—joined the Christmas card game. Hallmark introduced the now-classic 4×6-inch folded card that fits neatly in an envelope, leaving room for a personal message.
Here’s where Hallmark’s genius came into play. In 1928, they started putting the Hallmark name on the back of each card with the now-famous slogan, “When you care enough to send the very best.” Hallmark also introduced “Eye-Vision” displays, letting customers easily browse cards in stores. And in the 1970s, they expanded their holiday line with gift wrap and Keepsake Ornaments. Talk about spreading holiday cheer!
Fun Tidbits – Robins, Records, and White House Greetings
Ever wondered why robins show up on Christmas cards? In Victorian England, postmen wore red uniforms and were nicknamed “robins,” so these little red-breasted birds became a holiday symbol. Speaking of records, in 1975, a San Francisco man named Werner Erhard set a world record by sending 62,824 Christmas cards in one year! Now that’s dedication to spreading holiday cheer.
Did you know the first White House Christmas card was sent by President Eisenhower in 1953? Since then, every U.S. president has kept up the tradition, sending holiday “thank yous” to staff, friends, and supporters. Imagine finding a Christmas card from the president in your mailbox!
Digital Age – But a Timeless Tradition
With e-cards and social media, some folks thought Christmas cards would fade. But guess what? Holding a real card in your hand still has magic that digital messages can’t replace. Personalized photo cards have become a favorite, letting families share highlights from the year. And eco-friendly options—like recycled paper and plantable cards that sprout wildflowers—make it easy to keep the tradition green.
Hallmark’s Empire – The Christmas Card Industry
There’s no doubt Hallmark shaped the greeting card world. They turned Christmas cards into a booming market, setting trends in card sizes and introducing designs with Santa, snowy scenes, and nativity images. Hallmark’s own TV network, the Hallmark Channel, has made Christmas movies a part of the holiday season for millions, blending nostalgia with innovation to keep the Christmas spirit alive. They’ve kept the Christmas card industry thriving across generations.
Looking Ahead – A Tradition That’s Here to Stay
Even with digital options, people love the charm of a real Christmas card. Whether it’s a sentimental card from a loved one, a cheerful card from an old friend, or a silly one with dancing reindeer, Christmas cards make the holiday feel warmer, connected, and timeless.
Next time you open a Christmas card, think about its rich history; from Sir Henry Cole’s Victorian dinner scene to Hallmark’s classic designs. It’s a ritual that brings people together, spans generations, and reminds us all that the best gifts come from the heart. And as long as there’s holiday cheer to share, there will always be a card waiting to be sent.
So, this holiday season, reach out and spread a little joy with a card. It’s a small gesture with a big heart. Also, go over and read my tale of A Christmas Card’s Journey. But be forewarned, it may tug at your heartstrings just a little.