25 Surprising Facts About Christmas Cards You’ll Want to Share

Sending Christmas cards is a beloved tradition, but how much do you know about the history, evolution, and quirks of this holiday custom? Here are 25 surprising facts about Christmas cards that will make you appreciate them even more—and maybe inspire you to send a few this year!

1. The First Christmas Card Was Created in 1843

Sir Henry Cole, a British civil servant, commissioned the first-ever Christmas card. It featured a festive family scene and the words “A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to You.”

2. The First Card Was Controversial

The original card showed a family, including a child, enjoying wine, which sparked backlash from temperance advocates.

3. Christmas Cards Helped Popularize the Post Office

The rise of Christmas card exchanges coincided with the advent of the “Penny Post” in Victorian England, making sending mail affordable and accessible.

4. Americans Adopted the Tradition Late

While Christmas cards gained popularity in the UK in the mid-19th century, they didn’t become a staple in the U.S. until the 1870s, thanks to…