Festive phrases and lovingly scrawled names on cards are a defining feature during holidays. Although, these cards are more to cards than simple greetings – they supplement remarkable emotion and tell a deeper story. Their deep history blends with the intricate ties of human connections and elicit charm from within itself. Now let’s understand the evolution of Christmas cards and examine the meaning they hold with the society.
The History of Christmas Cards: A Tradition Rooted in Thoughtfulness
Starting during the mid-1800s, Christmas cards started gaining massive traction when Sir Henry Cole, a British civil servant, commissioned the first commercial card from John Callcott Horsley who had depicted a heartwarming family picture on the card. Instead of writing lengthy letters on Christmas, he wanted something more effortless and easy to send. As soon as this card was sent, his friends took considerable liking and so did the rest of the world. The image of family members alongside goodwill and charity instantly became popular. This concept quickly expanded and turned into a customary practice where people started sending Christmas cards to each other.
The evolution of history gifts illustrates a balance between the human urge to connect and the convenience that was evolving in the 19th century with the expansion of postal services. Today, the sending and receiving of these cards is still a cherished custom and serves as a powerful reminder of the importance a simple act can hold.
A Personal Touch in a Digital Age
As we get bombarded with emails, text messages, and social media, Christmas cards serve as a refreshing break. Unlike a simple text message saying “Merry Christmas”, a Christmas card shows deeper effort because it is handwritten. It serves as a reminder that somebody thought of you during the holiday chaos.
Opening up a Christmas card from a loved one piques sentiment as the envelope unseals. The simple task of looking at the card, showing it off on a fridge or mantelpiece, as well the loved one’s handwriting brings forth that fuzzy feeling. Christmas cards guarantee that no matter how many seasons go, the sentiment can be cherished year after year.
A Reflection of Culture and Creativity
Cards are used as a medium of creative expression. In the modern era, card designs tend to showcase specific artistic styles, cultural values, and even important cultural events. Every card, may it be a Victorian era card an embossed with ornate designs, or a contemporary card that uses humor as its theme or has minimalistic fonts, narrates the story of the time it was made.
The details around Christmas cards tell fascinating stories about subsequent periods. World War II was a period that prompted people to use cards portraying patriotic symbols or messages that inspired hope and strength. Currently, a large number of Christmas cards promote multiculturalism, showing global integration and acceptance that surrounds the holiday season.
Strengthening Relationships and Building Community
Exchanging Christmas cards goes beyond the bounds of a festive custom; instead it helps in maintaining social ties. Many people have an annual celebration where they inform friends and family about their life through a photo or intimate message. This custom is an effective way of cherishing achievements and strengthening bonds. Christmas cards are comprehensive social gestures to express sentiments regardless of how frequently people meet.
In Passover 2019 Singapore emerged as the first to offer eco-friendly cards from recycled booklet cover materials for Christmas. These Christmas cards while being exchanged during these festivals at cuisines, schools, or workplaces was intended to showcase a different means of celebrating Christmas – reduced carbon footprints. Traditional Christmas card exchanges while serving the purpose of keeping and promoting good festive relations among members of the community during these holiday celebrations should instead focus on planting seeds for better future relationships.
This broad scope idea is a great example of the shift and changes traditions require in order to conform and stop concerning the festive season. By creating such cards, the years’ long tradition of Christmas cards can be sealed forever instead of doing the opposite.
A Timeless Tradition with Enduring Value
Just as the history of christmas cards suggests, this custom of sending out cards goes beyond formalities. It is a means of saying I love you, cherishing an event, or rejoicing in the merriment of the season. No matter if you opt for vintage themes, custom prints, or green alternatives, the phrase, “I am sending you a Christmas card” is profound in its essence and is fully free from the constraints of time and modern tools.
Before the holiday festivities begins, let us indulge in the reason why we send and receive cards and value what is presented within every single piece of mail. If you are inquisitive about the winding details of this custom, feel free to look into the first Christmas card ever sent. This fascinating piece reminds us how even the minute things matter the most.
As you set your mind to the holiday festivities, let me remind you that while addressing envelopes and writing out cards, every single one of you is participating in this heartwarming custom that has connected millions of people across the globe and brings delight to countless faces for around two centuries. More than greetings, Christmas cards are a symbol of affection, originality, and most importantly – the essence of connecting with one another.