Giving, Receiving Christmas Cards

Posted by Susanna McLeod Dec 17, 2007

The tradition of Christmas cards began long ago in Victorian England. On orders of his customer Sir H. Cole in 1843, illustrator John Calcott Horsley designed a monochromatic card with scenes of helping the poor with food and clothing, and with a centre piece of a feast. The words, “merry Christmas and a happy New Year to you” were added, and at least 1,000 cards were printed and sent out.

About thirty years later, Christmas cards became a North American staple, though there are some examples of early seasonal postcards from 1860 and on at Collections Canada. As more people became card designers, the structures evolved to include fancy devices such as pop-up sections, and decorations like ribbon, fabrics and fringe.

Unless you make them yourself, today’s cards aren’t, well, Victorian.

Mostly printed on card stock, only the rare card may have a bit of fabric or sequins. The more elaborate cards just don’t do well in the mail system any more. My favourite is the card with a wintry scene that has sparkly swaths on the trees and skating pond. I can’t place where in my childhood such preference comes from – it somehow gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling.

I look forward to receiving Christmas cards in my mailbox. The hand-written missives mean someone has taken the time to think of me, pick up a pen and perhaps compose a short message plus signature, and then address the envelope. It’s a time-consuming chore compared to typing up a note and zipping it off by email. While I appreciate any contact, I truly appreciate and thank those who put pen to paper.

Well, it’s time to get my own pen going and get the festive cards into the mailbox. Somebody might be waiting.