Did you know... Christmas Cards...
By ahgong
@ahgong (10064)
Singapore
November 28, 2008 1:28am CST
Christmas Cards were invented by a painter in the early 19th century?
John Callcott Horsley (1817 - 1903), a British painter and a Royal Academician, designed the first Christmas and New Year’s card at the suggestion and request of his friend Sir Henry Cole.
The latter was the first director of the Victoria and Albert Museum. Horsley designed the first Christmas card in 1840 but it only went on sale in 1843. The idea was a hit and other artists quickly followed suit.
2 people like this
4 responses
@arkaf61 (10881)
• Canada
29 Nov 08
Although it's a nice idea, it quickly became a commercial thing that didn't stop and instead grew and grew. I love to receive Xmas cards, but I understand that when I do , or when I send them, I am really being a part of a very nicely orchestrated effort to make me spend money and has no real meaning as to what Christmas should really be :)
@ahgong (10064)
• Singapore
1 Dec 08
ha ha ha ha ha ha... 
Well, it is not entirely meaningless.
At the very least, you are telling the person you are sending the card to that you are still thinking of him or her eventhough you do not corrospond much on a regular basis.
And when you do receive one, you feel happy that that someone still regards you as a friend, enough to warrant him to take that effort to send you the card.
It is a nice gesture, whether you are the receiving end or the sending party.
These days, physical cards are less. I receive more electronic christmas cards that I do physical ones.
Well, it is not entirely meaningless.
At the very least, you are telling the person you are sending the card to that you are still thinking of him or her eventhough you do not corrospond much on a regular basis.
And when you do receive one, you feel happy that that someone still regards you as a friend, enough to warrant him to take that effort to send you the card.
It is a nice gesture, whether you are the receiving end or the sending party.
These days, physical cards are less. I receive more electronic christmas cards that I do physical ones.1 person likes this
@rytnlxm (310)
• China
30 Nov 08
Hi,ahgong.It seems that setback is a gift of life.Even the good ideas and the smart people will get them fairly from life.I really like the color of the Cards and I collected many cards when I was a student of primary scholar.But I didn't know this story.Thank you for sharing the story with us.
1 person likes this
@ahgong (10064)
• Singapore
1 Dec 08
You are most welcome my friend.
I used to collect them as well. In fact, all those cards I received, I still have them stashed away in some corner of my drawer.
I used to draw and design my own cards as well to send them out. Then my schedule got busy and I never do them anymore.
@kun2349 (23381)
• Singapore
28 Nov 08
I din know about that, and it was a painter? hehe ^_^ What surprised me more was that, christmas cards are available as early as 1840?? That was so long ago.. And it's really true that most christmas cards are nice, and pretty, but it's been a long time since i last received and sent any.. haha
And i wonder, does the greeting on the cards, comes from the painter as well?? hehe
@ahgong (10064)
• Singapore
1 Dec 08
I am not sure about the other greeting cards though. I am not surprised if it is.
I too was surprised to learn of this fact. Interesting fact about christmas cards isn't it?
Now a days, I receive more emails christmas cards than I do physical ones.
1 person likes this
@EAStanley (2688)
• United States
29 Nov 08
No, I did not know that. That is really cool. Thanks for sharing that with us. I always enjoy learning new things. Merry Christmas! :-)
1 person likes this
