From Victorian Scraps to Modern Sparkle: Christmas Card Evolution

Imagine a world without Christmas cards! For many of us, sending and receiving these festive greetings is a cherished tradition, a way to share joy and connect with loved ones during the holiday season. But have you ever stopped to think about where these colorful pieces of paper came from? It's a journey through time, filled with fascinating designs, surprising materials, and heartwarming messages. Get ready to unwrap the history of the Christmas card, from the elegant Victorian era to the sparkly creations we see today in 2025.

In this blog post, we'll take a whirlwind tour through the evolution of Christmas cards. We'll explore the very first cards, discover the trends that shaped their designs, and see how technology has transformed the way we send holiday greetings. From the delicate scraps and elaborate scenes of the Victorian era to the glitter, pop-ups, and even digital cards of today, there's a whole world of festive history waiting to be discovered. So grab a mug of hot cocoa, settle in, and let's explore!

The Very First Christmas Card: A Victorian Invention

The story of the Christmas card begins in Victorian England, around 1843. Sir Henry Cole, a busy businessman, was looking for a way to avoid writing individual Christmas notes to everyone he knew. He commissioned artist John Calcott Horsley to design a card that could be reproduced and sent to multiple people. The result? A lithographed card featuring a family celebrating Christmas with the message "A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to You." It might seem simple now, but it was revolutionary at the time!

These early Christmas cards were quite different from what we see today. They were often printed on thick card stock and hand-colored. The images were diverse, ranging from scenes of families feasting to winter landscapes and even humorous depictions. And because sending mail was expensive, these first Christmas cards were considered a luxury.

One unique feature of early Victorian Christmas cards was the use of