The Christmas season should be one of the most beautiful and joyful. To delight people with the memory of them and bring a smile to their face warms the heart like a hot mulled wine. Perhaps in the form of a Christmas card, which can take countless forms. To commemorate this popular tradition, Christmas Card Day was created on 9 December.

History of Christmas Card Day

The origin of this day is linked to the name of Sir Henry Cole, a British civil servant and artist. In 1843, he transformed the idea of sending greetings and words of love into the very first commercial Christmas card. An illustration by artist John Callcott Horsley on the card depicted a family having a toast. Sold for 1 shilling, only the wealthier classes could afford it. Later, floral designs were favoured. The lithographic firm of Prang and Mayer seized the opportunity to make a profit, and in 1874 began selling Christmas cards with children or animal motifs to the USA. The interest was enormous, as by 1880 they were producing up to 5 million cards a year.

Although the digital form has partially replaced the postal card, people still send them en masse all over the world. There are an endless number of designs, but each card has similar wording in the form of ‘happy holidays’ and ‘merry Christmas and happy new year’. Many also include religious references, blessings or Bible verses. Most cards take the form of postcards, but some people put them in envelopes.

Christmas cards can take different forms. Either it is a classic postcard or a card sent in an envelope. ━━ Christmas cards can take different forms. Either it is a classic postcard or a card sent in an envelope. ( Source: Drazen Zigic / Shutterstock )

Why do we commemorate this day?

Christmas cards are an integral part of Christmas and a reminder of interpersonal relationships. Thus, this day tries to maintain the significance of these personal handwritten cards as such a form has emotional value. It shows your loved ones that you are thinking of them. The digital form lacks this personal value. However, remember that it is important to send the cards in time for the recipients to enjoy them before Christmas Eve.

How to celebrate Christmas Card Day?

Although many cards offer pre-printed text, nothing has more power than a handwritten card. Even a simple short sentence can have enormous power. In the same way, you can develop your creativity and make your own cards, even with children who enjoy this artistic activity very much. If you haven’t spoken to someone for a long time or don’t often show your love, send them a card. Whether it’s a friend, a grandparent or anyone you care about. You can also do a good deed by buying cards from a charity.

Interesting facts about Christmas cards

  • In 1910, the Hallmark Cards company was founded in the USA and made personalised cards a mass phenomenon. Since then, it has dominated the Christmas card market. It publishes thousands of new designs every year and is a symbol of commercial Christmas.
  • In the early 1920s, postcards were a smash hit, and there is talk of a golden age of Christmas cards. It was also the first time photo cards appeared, showing portraits of families in front of the tree.
  • In the 1950s, a postcard craze literally broke out. Over a billion cards were sent in the US alone.
  • In the UK, the Royal Mail is estimated to deliver around 150 million cards over the Christmas season. In the US, that’s around 1.6 billion Christmas cards.
  • Many enthusiasts have turned card collecting into a hobby. Some are considered collector’s gems and are worth thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Why is the tradition worth preserving?

While the online world reigns supreme in our lives, it’s important that something as simple yet unique as sending cards doesn’t disappear. Each such card is a testament to the personal involvement, time and thought given to loved ones.