’Tis the season to send a Christmas card
Why our festive missives are more important than ever this year
We send them to family, friends, colleagues, neighbours, even our pets; they adorn our mantelpieces, walls and shelves, and there’s nothing to beat the warm glow that comes when one drops through the letterbox from an old friend. Sending cards is a long-held tradition – and it make us feel, well, Christmassy! An e-card just can’t compete, and while the rise of digital communication has seen this old-style means of staying in touch decline in recent
AN HISTORIC TRADITION
Before cards were exchanged, woodcuts and etchings depicting important religious scenes had been shared at Christmas. Created by carving an image on to a wooden or metal plate, they were intricate and time-consuming to make.
As with trees, candles and sweets, it was the Victorians who introduced sending cards to friends and family at Christmas.
In 1843, Sir Henry Cole commissioned artist John Horsley to create a festive illustration to go years, card brand Clintons predicts a pandemic-inspired rise in card-sending this festive season, with cards bought via online sites and in stores.
‘People have developed a greater appreciation for their friends and families after months of isolation and social distancing restrictions,’ says Nicola Miller, buying director at Clintons. ‘Many of those who haven’t been able to see loved ones will be looking for more sentimental ways to connect and share their appreciation this year – and this increases the likelihood of sending Christmas cards.’ with a Christmas greeting. He printed 1,000 of these cards to send to friends, then sold the rest for charity.
As the price of postage become more accessible, the trend for sending cards grew. In 1880, 11.5m cards were produced. Today, around 900m are sent in Britain every year.