In the mid eighteen hundreds, a person in Britain could send a letter for one penny. Letter writing became very popular during this time, particularly during the holiday season. The tradition of exchanging holiday greetings with those both near and afar was birthed during this time. Although sending a letter was an inexpensive way to stay in touch, it was time consuming.
An Englishman by the name of Henry Cole found that he was too busy to write individual letters to each person that he wanted to send greetings to. He hired an artist to design a card that would combine the religious aspect of the season, as well as values such as gathering with family and aiding the poor and needy. 1,000 copies of the card were produced and sent to friends and family, and is thought to be the first Christmas card.
An Englishman by the name of Henry Cole found that he was too busy to write individual letters to each person that he wanted to send greetings to. He hired an artist to design a card that would combine the religious aspect of the season, as well as values such as gathering with family and aiding the poor and needy. 1,000 copies of the card were produced and sent to friends and family, and is thought to be the first Christmas card.
The original purpose of sending a holiday card was to stay in touch with friends and relatives who live too far away to attend gatherings during the holidays. In the 21st Century; cards are given to coworkers, service providers, business associates, church family members, and loved ones. Distance is of no consequence, as cards are given not just to keep in touch, but primarily to express love and caring toward the recipient.
The looks of the Christmas cards have changed over the years. By the end of the late 1800’s, the tradition of sending Christmas cards had gained in popularity and several stationery companies had hired artists to design cards. As companies competed to win the business of customers, cards became quite lavish.
The Depression in the United States created a need for people to have an outlet and to think of more lighthearted things. Popularity of cards depicting animated characters like Popeye and Mickey Mouse grew during the 1930’s.
The 1940’s brought added sentiments and styles to choices in Christmas Cards. Word War II played a major role in the development of themes such as “Missing You” and “Across the miles”. Patriotic messages were also developed, as thousands of cards were mailed overseas to servicemen. Cards also reflected technology advances in printing, and four colored cards were very popular.
Cards designed during the second half of the 20th Century depicted the ever changing world. Cards created in the 1950’s were filled with artwork of such artists as Norman Rockwell and spoke to the every day life of leisure, strongly contrasting the war torn prior decade. The 1960’s began an era of nontraditional cards, as peace cards became a growing theme. With the 1970’s Jesus Movement came a resurgence in the popularity of religious cards, as born again Christians spurred an interest in reverting back to the original intent of the Christmas card. Sophisticated corporate cards emerged in the 1980’s. Cards of the 1990’s depicted home and family life, as traditional values once again became a lifestyle quest.
With the 21st Century comes the technology that allows for individuals to send cards from smart phones or other electronic devices. (Just a few short years ago, the cutting edge was creating cards at home or sending photo cards) The cost of buying cards and stamps, and the time it takes to write each one out has all but rendered the timeless tradition of paper cards a relic of the past. Some people, myself included, still love the feel and touch of the cards send through 'snail mail', hung around the doorways to be enjoyed over and over again.
Regardless of how times and the looks of the cards have changed over the years, exchanging Christmas cards remains a timeless tradition, and many a lonely person has been cheered by the cards they receive during December.
The clock is ticking. Whatever your preferred mode, don't forget to send a few cards this year!
This article was originally written as internet content for a top selling greeting card company, then reworked and later published under my birth name of MaryEllen Smith, in the Maine print paper SV Weekly, in 2007.
This article was originally written as internet content for a top selling greeting card company, then reworked and later published under my birth name of MaryEllen Smith, in the Maine print paper SV Weekly, in 2007.
