Why Do We Send Christmas Cards? Do You?

It is the  season of giving. Part of what we give is our time. We want family and friends to know we’re thinking about them. Many families keep in touch through the holidays by sending cards.

Short History Of Card Sending

Sending Christmas cards began in 1843. Prior to this, people sent notes to people wishing Merry Christmas. However, Sir Henry Cole didn’t have the time to write personal cards. He hired an artist to design a card to be mailed right away. In 1843 London did have mail service so these cards could go through the mail for only a penny each ^[1].

United States

Although Christmas cards were sold in the late 1840’s in the United States, they were expensive. In 1891 Annie Oakley sent Christmas cards from Scotland to her friends in America ^[2]. In 1915 John C. Hall and two of his brothers began mass producing cards and formed Hallmark Cards. Christmas cards became popular and affordable in the early 1900’s. Although fragile, they were usually hand delivered, and not sent through the postal service.

Adding To The Cards

Once card sending became popular, charities wanted to capitalize on the event. They designed stickers and seals for the envelopes. Denmark sold the first stickers, followed by Sweden and Norway. After that the tradition spread to America.

It is estimated that 1.5 billion cards were sent in the United States, compared to only 678.9 million in the UK in 2010. According to moo.com 45% of all cards sent in any given year are Christmas cards.

Modern Times

In this decade, fewer families are sending Christmas cards. They don’t see the need to keep in tough this way. Nonetheless, with the worldwide virus fears last year, many households resorted to mailing the cards as a personal way to keep in touch with friends and family members. A Christmas card is a tangible touch ^[3], not a copied email sent to 50 acquaintances. Cards are mail that bring a smile- perfect for the season. Christmas cards also make a pointed reminder of why we celebrate Christmas: God’s greatest gift of His son Jesus.

Although times seem to be rough, a simple gesture such as a card in the mail can brighten anther’s day. If you haven’t sent out any Christmas cards, why not do so today?