December 9th - Christmas Card Day

First Christmas Card

Today is Christmas Card Day. It is believed that Henry Cole marketed the first Christmas Card. It is a tradition started back in the UK in 1843. Back then, stamps only cost a penny and cards were handmade and very ornate.

Between 1860 and 1870, printing methods improved as well as the cost of delivering the mail and postage dropped to half a penny. Due to the decrease in costs, the sending of Christmas cards became more popular and many more people were able to participate in this tradition.

Christmas cards started to appear in the U.S. in the 1840's, but due to the cost, many could not afford them. It wasn't until 1875, that they began to be mass produced, bringing down the cost and allowing many more people to buy them. In 1915, John C. Hall and his two brothers created Hallmark cards, who today are still one of the biggest card makers.

Since the 19th Century, many have chosen to make their own Christmas cards for various reasons. Homemade cards create a higher sentimental value and many families partake in this event and has become part of their seasonal festivity. Scrapbooking has also contributed to the making of the homemade card by making available an assortment of tools for stamping, punching and cutting.

With the introduction of the internet, many have chosen to use this medium instead of the traditional mail to get out their holiday message. It is faster and of course less expensive. But I love the original tradition of sending Christmas Cards through the mail, even more so since I have started creating my own cards. Many of my family and friends look forward to receiving their handmade holiday cards, and this is a tradition I intend to continue.

So if you have not gotten out your holiday cards yet, there is only 16 days left until Christmas, so get moving!

Happy Holidays from Arizona!

I would like to enter my card into the following challenges:

• Ends Dec  16 - Digi Darla - Use Santa or Snowman
• Ends Dec 16 - MIM - #170 Anything goes
• Ends Dec 16 - Ave 613 - Anything goes w/ optional twist
• Ends Jan 4 - Here comes the Boys - #66 Anything Goes
• Ends Dec 16 - Scribble & Scrap - #7 Anything Goes
• Ends Dec 15 - Totally Gorjuss - #213 Anything with Santa
• Ends Dec 14 - Sister Act - #36 Anything Goes
• Ends Jan 3 - Jellypark Challenges - Month Long Christmas
• Ends Dec 20 - Digi Haven - Christmas Cards
• Ends Dec 15 - Catch the Bug - Anything Goes
• Ends Dec 31 - Scrappin Everyday Miracles - Christmas
• Ends Dec 10 - Nutcrafters - Use Santa