The Custom of Sending Christmas Greeting Cards

Copyrighted 1878 by L. Prang & Co. Boston

Although it could not compete with the speed of email today, the 1800's nevertheless experienced a revolution in communication that played an important role in creating the tradition of the Christmas greeting card.  Helped by the new railway system, the public postal service made corresponding a popular past time.  In England, Sir Henry Cole recognized the advantage of a more efficient mail service and initiated the practice of sending Christmas greeting cards to friends.  The first formal Christmas card was designed by J.C. Horsley in 1843 as a commercial endeavor. It was lithographed on stiff, dark cardboard and depicted in color, a wealthy family enjoying a Christmas feast as they all toast the festive season with glasses of wine raised over the words "A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you." The scene was set within a woody, rustic border hung with ivy, grapes and vine leaves. One thousand copies were printed sold in London, and soon others followed suit.  An English artist, William Egley, produced a popular card in 1849. Louis Prang, a German born printer, working from his shop in Roxbury, Massachusetts, printed his first American cards in 1875. Even more important than his printing was the fact that he did more than anyone else to popularize the cards by instituting nationwide contests for the best Christmas designs, which were awarded cash prizes.