Monday December 9th is Christmas Card Day. It falls annually on the 9th because that gives enough time to get started, so your cards arrive before Christmas. Christmas is then only 16 days away. Before you get started, let me share what I found out. I traveled down the rabbit hole to discover the story behind the first commercial Christmas card….
The first christmas card
The commercial Christmas card has its roots in jolly old England. Created during the Victorian era in 1843. The postal service was improved in 1840 with the penny post. Several sources shared the story mentioning the same gentleman. Sir Henry Cole struggled to keep up with all the mail he received. Not wanting to be impolite, Sir Henry Cole commissioned the first commercial Christmas card.
Digging deeper I discovered he had a hand in some of those postal system improvements. The first prepaid postage stamp, the Penny Black. He may or may not have had a hand in its creation. But back to the first card creation….
Thank you, Sir Henry Cole
Sir Cole had an idea, so he discussed it with a friend. His friend was John Callcott Horsley, an artist. His friend designed several scenes to depict acts still synonymous with Christmas. The largest painting, in the center, was a family enjoying a festive time around a table. Pictures of people doing charitable acts for the poor were on each end. The artist framed the 3 painting with a rustic trellis. A few grape vines with leaves clung to the trellis.
Click this link to see copies: the first christmas card – Search Images I thought about purchasing one, but I wouldn’t be allowed to publish it. Fingers crossed the fix I did opens a new tab. Hurry back once you see the painting. There is more to the story…
The Controversy
In the 1840’s high consumption of alcohol was seen as creating social issues. In response a temperance movement for the banning of alcohol was growing. The controversy came about because there were children joining the adults in drinking alcoholic beverages. One little girl has a woman helping guide the glass with the suspicious drink to her little lips. It was reported it created such a fuss it took three years before another Christmas Card was printed.
Now the last account I read detailed Sir Cole’s involvement with the postage system improvements. They even suggested that by creating a Christmas card it would create increase revenue. Most accounts said that 1,000 cards were printed. The last mentioned a higher number for a total of 2,050. The images of wine being drunk were controversial. This controversy arose in the climate of growing temperance. However, that article suggested it was shrewd. Those cards were not all used by Sir Cole. They sold for a shilling each.
Closing thoughts
The tradition of sending Christmas cards has a long history. Mail was once the only way to stay in touch with distant friends and family. Today there are many electronic ways to celebrate the season. I use those myself. But I still feel sometimes sending an envelope is the best way to approach the season.
Joy in preparing
Personally, gathering the materials to prepare and addressing the cards gives me time to think about what is important. It allows me to think about the friends and family on my list. It’s remembering those who have made an impact on my life. Even if distance separates us, it’s wonderful that one time a year we get to acknowledge their importance.
Fun in receiving
It’s fun opening the envelopes. You get to see the cards and the photos. You can read the sentiments. You might even gather the traditional yule time newsletter that many people write. The colorful cards can become part of your holiday decorations for that year. And some will be saved to be treasured.
Saving memories
One lady and I discussed how she found a way to use her treasured cards. She had just completed the project and was happy to share the details. She took a favorite piece of each card and strung them with beads to create a garland. She developed a unique method. It allowed her to display the memories pieces. They became part of every holiday.
Join in your own way Christmas Card Day
Christmas is almost here. How do you celebrate the season? It’s important to concentrate on traditions that hold meaning to you personally. One of mine is sending and receiving Christmas cards. It is a season of giving. If you traditionally send cards, time to get moving. If you don’t, take time to think about the people in your life. Use this season to make time to see them, phone them, send a text or email card. One of the nicest things about a paper card is that it has a physical substance. It’s a chance to write a note or pick a printed sentiment. Don’t forget to sign it, seeing your name will make it special and something to treasure.
Thank you for reading to the end. I would love to hear more about cards you have sent or received that hold special meaning to you. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Paper Crafted Bliss 