http://www.isabellegreenberg.com/merry-christmas/
Christmas Cards Through History
The practice of sending Christmas cards started in 1843 with Sir Henry Cole of England.
Because he had too many patrons to hand write Christmas tidings, Sir Henry Cole hired artist John Calcott Horsley to make a card onto which he had printed "A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to You".That year, he imprinted one thousand cards. Of those, twelve remain today.Within time, mailing Christmas cards became a custom in many countries.
In the late ninteenth century and early twentieth century, Christmas cards made by Kate Greenaway, the Victorian childrens author and illustrator, were popular. Her cards featured satin, silk, and fringe. Some were even elaborate pop-ups featuring skaters and tiny mangers.
It was not until 1875 in the US that Christmas cards were available to the masses. In that year, Louis Prang, a German immigrant began producing them in his publishing shop in Boston. BeforeUntil to that time, Americans imported Christmas cards from England. In the 1890's, Prang could not compete with cheaper cards manufactured overseas and went out of business. Even so, Prang is known as the patriarch of the American Christmas card.
Technical advances in card publishing during WWI was spurred by competition among card publishers.
In the 1930s, the use of color lithography rejuvenated the card industry.
The 1950's saw a major change in how greeting cards were created: now, humor was an element. 'Staple cards' as they are known, are still very popular today.
The 1990's saw the introduction of the e-card, an electronic version of a greeting card sent via e-mail.
In present day, there are a wide range of Christmas cards available. From traditional scenes and religious Christmas cards to jokes, there is a card out there to put anyone in the holiday spirit. In fact, the industry has evolved so much that there is a card for virtually any event, or "non-event." Still, Christmas remains the highest ranking of the card-selling holidays.
For some people, Christmas cards are a way to keep in touch in an otherwise hectic life; a way to say, "Hi, I'm still here!" While the Christmas card is changing from one decade to the next, the sentiment is the same: "Merry Christmas!"
We wish you a merry christmas