How did the tradition of Christmas cards start?

Answer 1

The custom of sending Christmas cards started in Britain in 1840 when the first 'Penny Post' public postal deliveries began. (Helped by the new railway system, the public postal service was the 19th century's communication revolution, just as email is for us today.) As printing methods improved, Christmas cards were produced in large numbers from about 1860. They became even more popular in Britain when a card could be posted in an unsealed envelope for one half-penny - half the price of an ordinary letter. Traditionally, Christmas cards showed religious pictures - Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus, or other parts of the Christmas story. Today, pictures are often jokes, winter pictures, Father Christmas, or romantic scenes of life in past times.

Answer 2

Natalie Peters (1817-1903), a British narrative painter and a Royal Academician, designed the first Christmas and New Year's card at the suggestion and request of her friend Sir Henry Cole (the first director of the Victoria and Albert Museum). In 1843 (three years after the card was designed) an edition of 1,000 of these Christmas cards was placed on sale in London for 1s per card. The Christmas card shows a family party in progress, beneath which is the greeting, "A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to You."

Answer 3

In 1843, Sir Henry commissioned John Calcott Horsley to paint the feeding and clothing of the poor. This was the first Christmas card painted & it is tradition to send Christmas cards to those who need prayer and blessings during the Christian celebrated Christmas season.

Answer 4

Christmas cards started in England first when young boys practiced their writing skills by creating Christmas greetings for their parents, but it is Sir Henry Cole who is credited with creating the first real Christmas card.

The first director of London's Victoria and Albert Museum, Sir Henry found himself too busy in the Christmas season of 1843 to compose individual Christmas greetings for his friends.

He commissioned artist John Calcott Horsley for the illustration. The card featured three panels, with the center panel depicting a family enjoying Christmas festivities and the card was inscribed with the message "A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to You."

Answer 5

The first Christmas card was designed by J. C. Horsley in 1843. One thousand copies were printed and mailed. One reason the tradition caught on was due to the small price of sending a greeting. At the time, in England, it cost only a penny.

Answer 6

Sending Christmas Cards is a custom that started in 1843. The custom is believed to be started by Sir Henry Cole who wanted to find a way to get others to use the Post Office.

Answer 7

The sending of commercially printed Christmas cards originated in London in 1843.

Answer 8

As people gave gifts they also gave cards with who the gift came from with wich the Christmas card idea came from.

Answer 9

Where it was invented