Christmas Cards

The Origin of Christmas Cards in the United States

Sending and receiving Christmas cards is a tradition that many of us have known all our lives. Yet, the truth is that the practice of sending cards is a relatively new one. Here's a few facts about how these cards came to be a holiday tradition in the United States.

Many would be surprised to learn that the first decades of the United States were not conducive to many of the Christmas traditions that we take for granted today. Owing the Puritan influence in many churches across the land, outward observances were often limited to the local church. However, that was to change.

In the early years of the 1840's, the idea of a penny postcard specifically designed to commemorate the Christmas holiday were introduced in England. As British immigrants came to the New World, the tradition of sending Christmas cards, in the form of a postcard, gained wide acceptance. Such liberal faiths as the Unitarians and the Universalists were among the first to embrace the idea of Christmas cards. By the end of the decade, Christmas cards were being sent across the United States by the thousands.

 These early cards were often very simple in design, some having a scripture verse related to the season on one side, and a blank space on the back for the address of the recipient and a short personal message. As time went on, the designs became more elaborate, with embossed images, colorful lettering and short pleasing lines of poetry. By the end of the Civil War, the notion of bi-fold Christmas cards that were mailed in an envelope had begun to gain ground.

Today, cards are the single most popular holiday card in the United States. In spite of increasing postage rates, an average of two billion Christmas cards are sold and mailed each year. With the advent of desktop publishing, a number of people now choose to design and print their own customized Christmas card, complete with original verse and a selection of images that reflect the sentiments of the sender.

As a sure way to share warm thoughts during the season, cards are an essential part of holiday tradition for many US citizens. Why not indulge yourself this year and send a few cards out yourself? You may be surprised and pleased by the number of people who reciprocate.