The First Christmas Card Was Sent in 1843

The first Christmas card was sent in 1843 in London, England, marking the beginning of a cherished holiday tradition that continues to evolve today. This historic moment in festive communication emerged from a collaboration between civil servant Sir Henry Cole and artist John Callcott Horsley, who designed a hand-colored print featuring a family celebrating Christmas, flanked by scenes of charity. The card not only answered the growing need for seasonal greetings during the Victorian era but also laid the foundation for the global practice of sending Christmas cards. As one of the earliest examples of mass-produced holiday sentiment, this milestone event—when was the first Christmas card sent—offers insight into how social customs, industrial advancements, and artistic expression converged to shape modern Christmas traditions.

Historical Context: Why Was the First Christmas Card Created?

To fully understand when was the first Christmas card sent, it’s essential to examine the cultural and technological landscape of early 19th-century Britain. The Industrial Revolution had transformed society, increasing literacy rates and expanding postal services. In 1840, the introduction of the Penny Post in the United Kingdom made mailing letters affordable for the general public—a crucial development that enabled personal correspondence to flourish.

Sir Henry Cole, a prominent civil servant and innovator, found himself overwhelmed by the number of personal letters he received during the holiday season. Seeking a more efficient way to acknowledge friends and acquaintances, he commissioned his friend, painter and sculptor John Callcott Horsley, to design a festive card that could be reproduced and sent en masse. This practical solution gave rise to what is widely recognized as the world’s first commercially produced Christmas card.

The original card measured approximately 5 inches by 3.5 inches and was printed using lithography. It featured a triptych design: the central panel depicted a multi-generational family raising glasses in celebration, while the side panels illustrated acts of charity—one showing clothing being given to the poor, the other offering drinks to the needy. Though some critics at the time objected to the image of children drinking wine, the card reflected Victorian ideals of both festivity and moral responsibility.

The Design and Production of the First Christmas Card

The creation of the first Christmas card involved several innovative steps for its time. A thousand copies were printed on stiff cardboard using the relatively new technique of chromolithography, which allowed for vibrant color reproduction. Each card was then hand-colored by professional artists, adding a unique touch to every piece. The message read: "A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to You"—a phrase that would become a standard seasonal greeting.

Priced at one shilling each (equivalent to about £5 or $6.50 today), the cards were expensive for most working-class families, making them accessible primarily to the middle and upper classes. Despite their high cost, these inaugural cards set a precedent for combining artistry with personal sentiment during the holidays. Only about a dozen original 1843 cards are known to survive today, with one selling at auction for over £20,000 in 2001.

How Did Christmas Cards Become Popular?

Although the 1843 card marked the beginning of the tradition, Christmas cards did not immediately gain widespread popularity. For decades, they remained a novelty among affluent Victorians. However, several factors contributed to their eventual mass adoption:

• Advancements in printing technology: By the 1860s and 1870s, improvements in color printing reduced production costs significantly.
• Rising literacy and disposable income: More people could read and afford small luxuries like greeting cards.
• Expansion of the postal system: Regular mail delivery encouraged letter-sending habits, especially during holidays.
• Cultural emphasis on sentimentality: The Victorian era idealized home, family, and emotional expression—all themes central to Christmas card messages.

In 1873, the firm Louis Prang & Co., based in Boston, began producing Christmas cards in the United States, helping popularize the custom across North America. Within two decades, hundreds of millions of cards were being exchanged annually in both the U.S. and the U.K.

Evolution of Christmas Card Designs Over Time

From the modest beginnings of the 1843 card, Christmas card designs have undergone dramatic transformations. Early Victorian cards often featured religious imagery, winter landscapes, or symbolic representations like holly, snowmen, and angels. By the Edwardian era (early 1900s), photography began appearing on cards, allowing families to share portraits with loved ones.

The mid-20th century saw a boom in humorous and whimsical designs, including animated characters and pun-based jokes. In recent decades, environmental concerns have led to increased demand for recycled paper and digital alternatives. Today, consumers can choose from traditional handwritten cards, photo cards, charity-focused greetings (where proceeds support causes), and even interactive e-cards with music and animation.

Era	Design Characteristics	Production Method
Victorian (1843–1901)	Hand-colored illustrations, religious or familial scenes	Lithography, hand-finishing
Edwardian (1901–1914)	Photographs, postcard-style layouts	Offset printing
Mid-20th Century	Humor, cartoons, metallic inks	Mass offset printing
Modern (21st Century)	Digital photos, eco-friendly materials, e-cards	Digital printing, online platforms

Regional Differences in Christmas Card Traditions

While the practice of sending Christmas cards originated in Britain, it has been adapted differently around the world. In the United States, holiday cards often include family newsletters summarizing the year’s events. In Canada and Australia, where Christmas falls during summer, some cards feature beach-themed illustrations alongside traditional symbols.

In Japan, where Christmas is not a national holiday but celebrated culturally, cards are less common than gift-giving or dining out. Conversely, in Germany, many families exchange *Weihnachtskarten* with religious or nature-inspired motifs, often arriving earlier in December than in Anglophone countries.

These regional variations highlight how local customs influence the timing, content, and reception of Christmas cards. Travelers and expatriates may find it helpful to research local norms before sending cards abroad to ensure cultural appropriateness.

Common Misconceptions About the First Christmas Card

Despite its well-documented history, several myths persist about when was the first Christmas card sent and what it represented. One common misconception is that the card was religious in nature. While later cards increasingly incorporated nativity scenes and biblical references, the 1843 original focused on secular celebration and philanthropy rather than spiritual themes.

Another myth suggests that Christmas cards were instantly popular. In reality, widespread adoption took nearly 30 years, driven more by economic and technological changes than immediate public enthusiasm.

Some also believe that the tradition began independently in multiple countries. However, historical records confirm that the British innovation directly inspired similar practices elsewhere, particularly after American publishers imported the concept in the 1870s.

Tips for Continuing the Tradition Today

For those interested in honoring the legacy of the first Christmas card sent in 1843, here are several meaningful ways to keep the tradition alive:

1. Send personalized cards: Handwrite messages instead of using pre-printed sentiments to add authenticity.
2. Support charitable causes: Purchase cards from organizations like UNICEF or Save the Children, where proceeds fund humanitarian work.
3. Use sustainable options: Choose cards made from recycled paper or plantable seed paper to reduce environmental impact.
4. Create your own: Design homemade cards with children or use digital tools to craft unique visuals.
5. Digitize old collections: Preserve vintage cards by scanning them, especially if you own reproductions of early designs like the 1843 original.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the first Christmas card sent?
The first Christmas card was sent in 1843 in London, commissioned by Sir Henry Cole and designed by John Callcott Horsley.

Who invented the Christmas card?
Sir Henry Cole is credited with commissioning the first commercial Christmas card, with artwork created by John Callcott Horsley.

Are any original 1843 Christmas cards still in existence?
Yes, approximately twelve original hand-colored 1843 Christmas cards are known to survive in museums and private collections.

Why did people start sending Christmas cards?
Christmas cards began as a practical way to send seasonal greetings efficiently during a time of growing literacy and improved postal services.

How has the Christmas card tradition changed over time?
What started as an elite Victorian custom has evolved into a global practice involving mass-produced, photo-based, digital, and eco-friendly greeting cards.