National Christmas Card Day

A heartwarming scene of friends and family gathered around a table, exchanging Christmas cards, wearing cozy holiday sweaters, with a festive Christmas tree in the background.. — National christmas card day illustration

Ah, National Christmas Card Day! It's that time of year when we gather with loved ones, indulge in delicious food, rememberances, and embrace the festive spirit. And what better way to spread joy and cheer than by sending a heartfelt Christmas card? So dust off your glitter pens and get ready to dive into the fascinating history of National Christmas Card Day!

When is Christmas Card Day?

It's national christmas card day on the 9th December.

The Birth of Christmas Cards

Let's take a trip back in time to the mid-1800s, when Sir Henry Cole, a British civil servant, found himself too busy to write individual Christmas greetings to his vast network of friends and acquaintances. He came up with a brilliant idea - to commission an artist to create a festive design that could be mass-produced and sent to everyone on his list. Thus, the first Christmas card was born.

These early cards featured intricate illustrations depicting scenes of winter wonderlands, festive trees, and jolly Santas. They were not only a way to send warm wishes, but also a showcase of artistic talent. As the popularity of Christmas cards grew, more and more artists jumped on the bandwagon, creating beautiful and unique designs that captured the essence of the holiday season.

The Internet's Influence

In the era of technology, it was only a matter of time before Christmas cards went digital. With the rise of the internet, e-cards became a popular alternative to traditional paper cards. People could now send their holiday greetings with just a few clicks, sparing themselves the hassle of finding a post office or dealing with pesky postage fees.

But despite the convenience of e-cards, many still prefer the charm and personal touch of a physical card. There's just something magical about receiving a beautifully crafted card in the mail, sealed with love and glitter. Plus, let's be honest, it's always exciting to see what designs and messages our loved ones have chosen for us.

Celebrating National Christmas Card Day

On December 9th every year, we celebrate National Christmas Card Day. It's the perfect occasion to gather around with loved ones, sit by a cozy fireplace, and pen heartfelt messages onto beautiful cards. Whether you go for a classic design or opt for a quirky and humorous card, the joy is in the act of spreading love and holiday cheer.

So, gather your favorite pens, unleash your creativity, and take some time to craft the perfect Christmas card. Whether you use colorful markers, glitzy stickers, or even incorporate a festive family photo, your card is sure to bring smiles to the faces of those who receive it. Remember, 'tis the season to be jolly, and what better way to spread jolliness than through a lovely Christmas card?

History behind the term 'Christmas Card'

1843

First Christmas card

The first Christmas card was created by Sir Henry Cole, a British civil servant. He asked John Callcott Horsley, an artist, to design a card that he could send to his friends and family as a festive greeting.

1840s

Early mass production

In the 1840s, advances in printing technology allowed for the mass production of Christmas cards. Initially, these cards were relatively expensive and catered to the wealthy elite who could afford such a luxury.

1875

Reduction in card price

The introduction of the penny post in Britain in 1840 made sending letters and cards more affordable for the general public. By 1875, advances in printing techniques and reduced production costs led to the availability of cheaper Christmas cards for a wider audience.

Late 19th century

Popularity in the United States

During the late 19th century, Christmas cards gained popularity in the United States. Americans embraced the tradition of exchanging cards as a way to spread holiday cheer and connect with loved ones, contributing to the growth of the greeting card industry.

20th century

Expansion of artistic styles

Throughout the 20th century, Christmas card designs expanded to include various artistic styles. From traditional religious imagery to modern and humorous illustrations, artists and designers continually pushed the creative boundaries of card design, offering consumers a wide range of options.

Present day

Digital revolution

With the advent of the internet and digital technology, traditional paper Christmas cards have been joined by their digital counterparts. E-cards, personalized videos, and social media greetings now offer individuals alternative ways to send their holiday wishes, further evolving the concept of the Christmas card.

Did you know?

Did you know that the record for the world's largest Christmas card measures a whopping 32.25 feet by 43.25 feet? It was created in 2004 by a group of artists and students in Canada. Talk about a grand holiday gesture!