American Greetings

American Greetings

American Greetings In The News

How the Tradition of Mailing Christmas Cards Started

Delivering Christmas cards to express Christmas messages was started  in 1843 by an Englishman, Sir Henry Cole.

Because he had too many co-workers to hand write Christmas letters, Sir Henry Cole employed artist John Calcott Horsley to create a card onto which he had printed "A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to You".He typeset one thousand cards.  Of those, twelve remain today.Within time, delivering Christmas cards became a standard formality in many countries.

In the late 1800's and early 1900's, Kate Greenaway, a successful childrens writer, created some of the most popular Christmas cards.Her cards often utilized multi-media, with different fabrics, fringe and papers.    Some were even elaborate pop-ups featuring skaters and tiny mangers.

In the US, Christmas cards were imported and something of a luxury until, in 1875, a German immigrant, Louis Prang, began to produce them in Boston.BeforeUntil then, Christmas cards were imported from England.In the 1890's, Prang could not compete with cheaper cards printed in other countries and went out of business.  Still, Prang is known as the patriarch of the American Christmas card. 

Competition amongst card publishers during WWI resulted in technical advances. 

In the 1930s the use of color lithography renovated the 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. 

In the 1990's, the electronic card, or e-card, was introduced. 

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!"   The Christmas card has made many changes since its introduction in the 19th century, but the sentiment behind it is always the same:  "Merry Christmas!"

Questions about American Greetings

American Greetings Videos

Noon: American Greetings moving to Westlake

It has never been easier to shop for American Greetings.

Other articles you might like;

• Garageband Jam

Incoming search terms:

• american greeting spiritual expressions

Stop! Check Out This HOT OFFER...

"Deadbeat" Software Makes $25,556/Month - Click Here!