Get Your Great Christmas Cards Now

Christmas cards were first produced commercially in 1843 in London, when Sir Henry Cole commissioned a card featuring a scene by illustrator John Callcott Horsley.Victorian era cards in England usually featured elaborate designs augmented by pieces of satin or lace, cards in shapes such as bells or candle lights and pop-up scenes. In the US, printer and lithographer Louis Prang began printing cards in Massachusetts in 1875. US cards frequently represented scenes of snow and wildlife common throughout northern winters. During the two World Wars, cards generally carried patriotic illustrations and greetings.



Today, christmas cards offer both equally religious and secular styles. Religious cards feature scenes based on the Christian traditions of the events surrounding the birth of Jesus, and often contain passages from the Bible in their greetings. Secular cards typically include illustrations of Santa Claus, nature or creatures, or funny cartoons. The greetings wish the individual "happy holidays" or "season's' greetings".



For years, companies have provided Christmas cards to their customers to boost a sense of goodwill and point out to customers of the company's name and brand name. This practice came about from the use of trade cards of the 18th century, which were small cards given out by businesses to present and customers. Established Christmas cards are mailed by the US President and the British Royal Family. The British history traces its origins back to Queen Victoria, while President Dwight D. Eisenhower delivered the very first official White House card in 1953. Charity Christmas cards are issued by non-profit organizations like UNICEF to boost finances for their firm.



Since christmas cards originated in England, today they're a part of the Christmas tradition in most English speaking countries. In a lot of countries, including those in western Europe, South America and Asia, New Year cards are the desired way for sending greetings. A few countries don't observe both custom.



English conversing nations, or people who have been colonized by England, stick to the custom today, with some alterations. For example, cards in Caribbean countries such as Jamaica don't concentrate on the classic winter scenes of snow, but rather feature tropical isle settings. Hong Kong locals like hand-crafted cards making use of Chinese methods.