The History of the Christmas Card
Origins of the Christmas Card
The Christmas card, a staple of the holiday season, has a rich history dating back to the early Victorian era. In 1843, an esteemed educator and arts patron named Henry Cole found himself overwhelmed by holiday correspondence. Seeking a time-saving solution, he commissioned artist J.C. Horsley to create a festive image that he could personalize and send to his vast circle of friends. The resulting design, featuring a family celebrating Christmas alongside scenes of charity, became the first Christmas card.
Early Controversies and Popularity
Despite its convenience, the first Christmas card sparked some controversy due to its depiction of children enjoying wine. However, the practicality of the card quickly overshadowed any criticism, and it soon gained popularity among other prominent Victorians. Louis Prang, a Prussian immigrant, introduced the first Christmas card in the United States in 1875, featuring a more artistic and subtle approach with a painting of a flower.
Evolution of the Christmas Card
Over the decades, the Christmas card evolved significantly. Appreciation for the quality and artistry of the cards grew, leading to competitions and the emergence of card collectors. By the early 20th century, the Christmas card industry had taken root, with companies like Hallmark introducing new formats and colorful designs that became immensely popular.
Famous Artists and Christmas Cards
Hallmark and other publishers sought to differentiate their cards by commissioning famous artists to create unique designs. Salvador Dali, Grandma Moses, and Norman Rockwell were among the renowned artists who contributed to the Christmas card tradition, creating memorable and collectible works.
Modern Christmas Cards
Today, innovation in Christmas cards is driven by smaller, niche publishers who cater to specific audiences with elaborate pop-up cards, video cards, and personalized messages. The sentiments expressed on Christmas cards have also evolved, becoming more relatable and reflective of contemporary language and values.
The Christmas Stamp
The introduction of the first Christmas stamp by the U.S. Post Office in 1962 further cemented the popularity of Christmas cards. Despite production challenges, over one billion copies of the inaugural stamp were printed and distributed, underscoring the widespread use of Christmas cards.
Christmas Cards as Big Business
Henry Cole’s initial motivation for creating the first Christmas card was to streamline his holiday correspondence. Unbeknownst to him, he laid the foundation for a thriving industry. Today, the Christmas card market represents a substantial commercial enterprise, with publishers and retailers profiting from the tradition of exchanging festive greetings.
