Author: Editor for Verbalists Education & Language Network

We wish you much success, health, happiness, and love in the New Year!

Discover the fascinating history of New Year and Christmas cards and how they have evolved over time.

The History of New Year and Christmas Greetings

Have you ever wondered how New Year cards came to be? The tradition of sending New Year and Christmas cards started in England as a way to encourage more people to use postal services, which were just getting started.

These cards typically featured a colorful image in the center, often of a cheerful family enjoying a festive meal. The message was simple and clear, and it’s still commonly used today: “Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”

The First Commercial Christmas Card

The first card was created back in 1843, designed by John Calcott Horsley and distributed by Sir Henry Cole. Commercial sales of Christmas/New Year cards began a few years later, with an initial print run of about 1,000 cards. Today, only 12 of those original cards are known to exist.

Cards for Everyone

Sending holiday cards quickly became common practice, costing just one penny to send. The introduction of the “Penny Post” and the expansion of the railways allowed larger volumes of mail to be sent further and faster compared to earlier postal coach services.

In fact, postal services encouraged the use of cards by offering reduced delivery costs if the card was sent in an unsealed envelope or without a stamp. By 1870, printing holiday cards had become very popular, with postage fees halved to half a penny. This made card-sending affordable for the average person in the UK.

In the U.S., the idea of Christmas and New Year cards emerged much earlier, but their high cost made them inaccessible to most people. However, starting in 1875, mass printing and reduced postage costs made these cards more practical and popular in the U.S., becoming accessible to everyone.

Changing Holiday Card Motifs

New Year cards are sent to loved ones with warm wishes for the upcoming holidays and the new year. Over time, the designs have evolved. Common themes include Christmas trees, snow, green forests, Santa Claus, sleighs, reindeer, and similar festive images.

Recently, personalized cards have become more popular, with messages of best wishes added below family photos.

For those with a creative touch, handmade cards have become a unique and thoughtful gift, making them a perfect way to show care for loved ones.

Sadly, sending New Year cards is a tradition that’s slowly fading away.

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