The first Christmas card was commissioned in 1843 but Sir Henry Cole. There were 2,050 printed and they sold for a shilling. These first Christmas cards didn't depict Christmas. The images were of spring, children, and animals. The saying on the cards: wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
In 1875 Louis Prang was the first printer to offer cards in America. These were very intricate and beautiful cards. But they were soon pushed aside by postcards that were easier to make and cheaper to send. By the 1920's the card and envelope greetings came back into style.
As world events came along they would be depicted in the cards of that year.
The first "official" Christmas card began in the 1840's when Queen Victoria send cards with portraits of the royal family at events. Later in 1953 President Dwight Eisenhower sent the first "official" White House Christmas card.
I've become one of the "newsletter" Christmas card senders. I write up a newsletter on the computer, print it out, and send it. But I love getting cards especially from other countries.
Do you send Christmas cards or letters? Do you get ones from other countries? If so what countries?
Because I love giving and it 'tis the season'- If you leave a comment you're name will be entered to win a box of western themed Christmas cards and one of my books.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Paty Jager
www.patyjager.net
www.patyjager.blogspot.com
Paty, thank you for the history of the Christmas Cards. I have receive cards from Russia but don't receive many due to it being easier for most of us to email greetings. I to do a Christmas letter as it is a way for family and friends to keep up with the happenings, esp with most so far away... or is it we who are far away. Blessings to all during this holiday season.
ReplyDeleteI believe in sending card for Christmas and each one I write something only to the recipient.When my Dad was still alive, we were getting pictures of the events of the year. Sadly, no one in the family has kept the tradition. But with the cards I got, I can show my children the way were were celebrating the Holidays in Switzerland.
ReplyDeleteDean Y,
ReplyDeleteThat's wonderful you keep in contact with friends/family in Russia. I'm a letter person. It's the best way, as you say , to keep family and friends up to date with what has happened to everyone over the year without wearing your hand out writing it over and over again.
CJ,
ReplyDeleteI think it's great you do individual cards. I have so many far off relatives who want to know everything it is just less time consuming to write a letter and send the same copy to everyone.
That's wonderful you can show your children your heritage through the Christmas cards from Switzerland.
I love Christmas cards and even though I have many friends who have forsaken the tradition of sending them, I still write mine out every year. I don't think the holiday season would be complete without them. :o)
ReplyDeleteMelinda,
ReplyDeleteGood for you! I love receiving cards and need to do a better job of sending Christmas cards.