The History of Christmas Cards

The elderly like history. For Christmas this year I’ve chosen the topic „The history of Christmas cards“. Let’s read more about it here.

Sir Henry Cole and his artist friend John Horsley designed the first Christmas cards in the UK in 1843.The cards appeared in the United States of America after that, but were too expensive for most people.It 1875, a printer started mass-producing cards so that more people could afford to buy them.Those cards showed flowers, plants, and children.In 1915, John C.Hall and two of his brothers created Hallmark Cards, which is still one of the biggest card makers today!.

Annie Oakley, the famous sharpshooter and star of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show, sent the first known ‘personalised’ Christmas card in 1891.It included a photo of her wearing tartan! At that time she was in Glasgow (Scotland) and posted cards back to her friends and family in the USA.Annie designed the cards herself and a local printer printed them.

In the 1910s and 1920s, homemade cards became popular.They often looked unusual and were decorated with foil and ribbon.These were usually too delicate to send by post and were therefore given by hand.

Source:  [online] Available at whychristmas.com
Adapted by: Jodie Hruby, UK/USA.