When did Christmas cards become such a thing?

The Beginnings of Christmas Cards

The tradition of Christmas cards can be traced back to the early 19th century, with Sir Henry Cole often credited for their inception. As an English civil servant and a key figure in the modernisation of the British postal system, Cole found himself overwhelmed during the festive season of 1843. Faced with the prospect of writing numerous Christmas letters, he commissioned his friend, the artist John Callcott Horsley, to create a card that he could send instead. This pioneering card featured an illustration of a family enjoying a Christmas celebration, coupled with scenes of charity, and bore the simple message, "A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to You."

Although the initial print run of 1,000 cards, sold at a shilling each, was a considerable expense for the time, it set the stage for a new festive custom. Initially, Christmas cards did not gain immediate widespread popularity, but the idea gradually began to take root in the ensuing years.

The growth of the postal service significantly influenced the adoption of Christmas cards. The Penny Post, introduced in 1840, made sending mail affordable for the general public, fostering a culture of exchanging holiday greetings. This period also saw technological advancements, particularly in the printing industry, which played a crucial role in making Christmas cards more accessible. Innovations like chromolithography allowed for mass production and reduced costs, encouraging more people to participate in this new tradition.

As the 19th century progressed, the designs of Christmas cards evolved to mirror the artistic and cultural trends of the time. Early cards often depicted religious themes, such as nativity scenes and angels, but secular imagery soon became prevalent. Pictures of winter landscapes, Father Christmas, and festive decorations gained popularity, reflecting the changing tastes of society.

The Victorian era, renowned for its elaborate and intricate designs, saw artists drawing inspiration from nature, folklore, and contemporary events. This blend of artistic creativity and cultural relevance made Christmas cards a distinctive feature of the holiday season, echoing the aesthetic values and social customs of the era.

Popularity in the 19th Century

The expansion of the postal service during the 19th century played a crucial role in the rising popularity of Christmas cards. The introduction of the Penny Post in 1840 made sending mail more affordable and accessible to the general public, allowing more people to participate in the exchange of holiday greetings.

Moreover, the Industrial Revolution greatly influenced the production of Christmas cards. Advances in printing technology, such as chromolithography, made it possible to produce cards in larger quantities and at a lower cost. This technological progress, combined with the growing middle class's interest in social customs, led to a surge in demand for Christmas cards by the late 1800s.

As the century progressed, a variety of card designs emerged, reflecting both religious and secular themes. Early cards often featured nativity scenes or angels, but it wasn't long before more diverse imagery appeared. Winter landscapes, depictions of Father Christmas, and festive decorations became particularly popular, catering to a broadening audience.

The Victorian era saw a fascination with elaborate and detailed card designs. Artists of the time drew inspiration from nature, folklore, and contemporary events, incorporating elements such as flowers, birds, and winter sports. These artistic choices mirrored the broader cultural and social trends of the time, making Christmas cards a reflection of the period's aesthetic sensibilities.

As demand for Christmas cards grew, so did the number of producers. Many small printing firms and larger publishers began to create a wide range of designs to cater to various tastes and budgets. Some cards were highly ornate, featuring intricate embossing, die-cut shapes, and vibrant colours, while others were simpler and more affordable.

The practice of sending Christmas cards quickly spread beyond Britain, finding popularity in other parts of Europe and eventually across the Atlantic in the United States. By the end of the 19th century, the exchange of Christmas cards had become a well-established tradition, enjoyed by people from various walks of life.

Artistic Styles and Cultural Trends

Christmas cards have consistently mirrored the artistic styles and cultural trends of their times. Throughout the Victorian era, there was a notable emphasis on elaborate and intricate designs. Artists of the period frequently drew inspiration from a range of sources, including nature, folklore, and contemporary events. Cards featured elements such as flowers, birds, and winter sports, reflecting the broader cultural and social interests of the time.

As the designs evolved, so did the themes. Early Christmas cards often showcased religious imagery, including nativity scenes and angels. However, as time progressed, secular themes gained prominence. Winter landscapes, Father Christmas, and festive decorations became more widespread, catering to the changing tastes and expanding audiences. This shift highlighted a broader cultural movement towards inclusivity and the celebration of various aspects of the festive season.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the introduction of new printing technologies significantly influenced the aesthetics of Christmas cards. Techniques such as chromolithography and later offset lithography allowed for more detailed and vibrant illustrations. This technological progress facilitated the mass production of cards, making them more accessible to a wider public. It also enabled greater experimentation with styles and motifs, further diversifying the artistic landscape of Christmas cards.

The influence of advertising and commercial interests became increasingly apparent in the 20th century. Companies began to use Christmas cards as a means of marketing, creating promotional cards that featured their logos and messages. This commercialisation not only broadened the appeal of Christmas cards but also introduced new design elements aimed at capturing the consumer's attention.

Moving into the contemporary era, Christmas cards continue to evolve, incorporating modern artistic trends and technologies. Today, they often blend traditional motifs with contemporary designs, reflecting the current cultural milieu. Cards may feature minimalist aesthetics, bold graphics, or even interactive elements, showcasing the ongoing fusion of old and new influences.

Progress in the 20th Century

The 20th century brought significant advancements in the production and distribution of Christmas cards. Offset lithography, a new printing technique, enabled more intricate and vibrant designs, allowing for a greater variety of artistic styles. This period also saw the rise of cards featuring humorous illustrations, which appealed to a broader audience and added a playful dimension to the tradition.

Consumer culture's expansion had a notable impact on Christmas cards. Businesses began to see the potential of using them as a marketing tool. Many companies produced promotional cards adorned with their logos and messages to build goodwill with their clients. This commercialisation helped cement the practice of sending Christmas cards as a widespread custom.

During this era, Christmas cards also started to reflect contemporary events and popular culture. Cards featuring images of modern transportation, iconic landmarks, and even celebrities became common. This trend not only kept the tradition relevant but also made the cards a snapshot of the time in which they were produced.

The affordability and accessibility of Christmas cards continued to improve throughout the century. Mass production techniques meant that a wider range of designs became available at different price points, catering to various tastes and budgets. This inclusivity ensured that more people could partake in the festive exchange, further embedding the custom into popular culture.

The 20th century also witnessed the diversification of Christmas card themes. In addition to traditional religious and winter scenes, designs began to include more secular and contemporary motifs. This broadening of themes reflected the evolving nature of the holiday season, accommodating a wider array of cultural and personal expressions.

Overall, the developments of the 20th century played a crucial role in shaping the Christmas card tradition, making it an enduring and adaptable aspect of holiday celebrations.

The Digital Era and Contemporary Times

The advent of digital technology in the 21st century has markedly altered the tradition of sending Christmas cards. Electronic cards, or e-cards, have become a popular option due to their convenience and eco-friendly nature. With the ability to customise and send a card with just a few clicks, e-cards allow for instant communication across the globe. Despite their rise, e-cards have not entirely supplanted the charm and personal touch of physical Christmas cards.

Many people still cherish the experience of sending and receiving tangible cards, often choosing to add personal touches such as family photos, handwritten notes, or unique designs. This blend of the old and new is indicative of broader cultural trends, where tradition and modernity coexist.

Digital platforms have opened up new possibilities for creativity in holiday greetings. Interactive e-cards featuring animations, music, and even personalised videos have become increasingly popular, offering a dynamic way to share festive cheer. Social media and messaging apps also provide alternative ways to send Christmas greetings, further diversifying the methods people use to stay connected during the holiday season.

The continued relevance of traditional Christmas cards alongside digital alternatives highlights the enduring appeal of this festive custom. While technology has introduced new formats and possibilities, the fundamental desire to reach out to loved ones and share holiday joy remains unchanged. Whether through the post or via the internet, the exchange of Christmas cards continues to be a cherished part of holiday celebrations, adapting to the times while preserving its heartfelt essence.