A Brief History of Traditional Christmas Cards
Posted: Wednesday, December 23, 2009
by Connor Davidson
Christmas cards have become such an integral part of christmas celebrations. Globally there are billions of Christmas cards sent each year - on average we send 50 cards each. Reportedly, while President Bush was in office he and his wife would send tens of thousands of Christmas cards each year - I like to think that the Royal Mail lost my one or perhaps it's still in his drawer in the oval office. But anyway...
We're supposed to be talking about history. Though, perhaps surprisingly, relatively recent history.
The first Christmas cards were sent out by; the founder of the Victoria and Albert Museum; Sir Henry Cole 1843. The cards depicted a family, including a small child, drinking wine together in the center and people carrying out acts of charity around the edges.However, in typical victorian style, it caused a huge controversy as they said that the cards were: "fostering the moral corruption of children."
The first Christmas card was designed by John Horsly or as he is better known "clothes Horsly". The nickname was as a result of him campaigning against the use of naked models in art - again in typical victorian style.
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The first Christmas cards were sent out by; the founder of the Victoria and Albert Museum; Sir Henry Cole 1843. The cards depicted a family, including a small child, drinking wine together in the center and people carrying out acts of charity around the edges.However, in typical victorian style, it caused a huge controversy as they said that the cards were: "fostering the moral corruption of children."
The first Christmas card was designed by John Horsly or as he is better known "clothes Horsly". The nickname was as a result of him campaigning against the use of naked models in art - again in typical victorian style.
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Prior to Christmas cards it was common to send a christmas letter instead. But just look over your christmas list: could you imagine sending each and everyone a personal letter at least one side of A4 long? Or could you imagine reading a letter from everyone who sends you a card? Obviously not.
This was what motivated Horsly to make Christmas cards. He wanted to send a large number of people christmas greeting but did not have time to write each a letter. So, instead of only sending a few select people a letter he gave everyone a card. The perfect solution.
Or rather a perfectly profitable idea. After the advent (pun intended) of the Christmas card the printer of Horsly's cards done a reprint and sold them for a penny each and sold the whole lot. By the 1880's Christmas Cards were big business and made may people very rich.
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Interestingly, the Americans had to import them up until 1875. It was only when a German by the name of Louis Prang opened a shop - at a cost of $250 - to print cards. Six years after he set up his shop he was selling an enormous five million Christmas cards a year! He is one of the few people in history who can safely say that Christmas has increased his bank balance.
Though, Christmas cards are not just big business bucks. Charities have come in to get a slice of the cash. In 1949 UNICEF launched its own Christmas card and since then many have followed suit. The UK based Charities Advisory Trust, this is fantastic, give out their annual "scrooge" award to the company that donates the lowest percentage of revenue to the charities they claim to be supporting.
Therefore the next time that you buy, send or receive a Christmas card. Spare a thought for its history and at all times be thankful that you did not have to write a letter.
Though, Christmas cards are not just big business bucks. Charities have come in to get a slice of the cash. In 1949 UNICEF launched its own Christmas card and since then many have followed suit. The UK based Charities Advisory Trust, this is fantastic, give out their annual "scrooge" award to the company that donates the lowest percentage of revenue to the charities they claim to be supporting.
Therefore the next time that you buy, send or receive a Christmas card. Spare a thought for its history and at all times be thankful that you did not have to write a letter.
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Top-level comments on this article: (9 total)Thanks for the history lesson, Connor. Interesting and fun to read.Thanks for the comment.
Interesting stuff, Connor. Now, how about a follow up article about the history of some Christmas carols?I could but I don't know anything about carols - I'd have to base it totally off research.Thanks for the comment.
Great lesson and article Connor--thanks--Merry Christmas.To you too.Thanks for the comment.
Very interesting, Connor.Stay warm!That is hard over here - its been snowing.Thanks for the comment.
...and now Sir Henry has spawned an enourmous industry that even has it's own holiday (Sweetest Day--one I'd never heard of until I moved to Michigan)...big sigh.Thanks for the comment.
Interesting article. My wife doesn't send out too many Christmas cards anymore, except ecards. Their fun and a whole lot cheaper.Thanks for the comment.
My hand hurts just thinking about that... Nice article, ConnorThanks for the comment.
Good idea and appropriately seasonal. The writing is a little rough. The young author would benefit from some editing, while he hones his skills.Thanks for the comment.
Interesting piece, Connor - thanks for researching and writing this one. MarijoThanks for the comment.
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