What is the tradition of Christmas cards
Ava Hudson
Updated on April 12, 2026
Christmas cards are usually exchanged during the weeks preceding Christmas Day by many people (including some non-Christians) in Western society and in Asia. The traditional greeting reads “wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year”.
Where did the tradition of Christmas cards come from?
The custom of sending Christmas cards was started in the UK in 1843 by Sir Henry Cole. He was a senior civil servant (Government worker) who had helped set-up the new ‘Public Record Office’ (now called the Post Office), where he was an Assistant Keeper, and wondered how it could be used more by ordinary people.
Who introduced Christmas cards?
Full title:Reproduction of the Christmas card designed by John Callcott Horsley, sent to Henry ColeCreated:1843 (reprinted c.1945)Format:Card, EphemeraCreator:John Callcott HorsleyCopyright:Victoria and Albert Museum
What is Christmas card etiquette?
The basic rule of Christmas card etiquette is that you can send holiday cards to anyone, but you don’t have to send them to everyone. … If you’re going to see someone between Thanksgiving and New Year’s at a holiday party, you can wish them a “Happy Holiday” in person.Why Christmas cards are important?
Holiday cards are a reflection of your sentiment during the holiday season and often make family and friends feel better. You can make someone smile with a heartfelt message or a funny Christmas photo they can’t get anywhere else. … It’s all about the thought that counts, and whoever receives the card is sure to love it.
Is it rude not to send Christmas cards?
Is It OK to Stop Sending Someone a Christmas Card? … There’s no rudeness inherent in dropping someone from your card list, especially if you’re sending standard cards instead of email cards. Money is hard to come by this year, so if you’ve been thinking about trimming names off your list, this will be a good time.
When did sending Christmas cards begin?
The custom of sending Christmas cards, as we know them today, was started in the UK in 1843 by Sir Henry Cole.
Do people still send Christmas cards?
For many, Christmas cards have outlived their utility. … In the early 2000s, Americans mailed about two billion Christmas cards annually, according to data provided to MarketWatch by Hallmark. By 2015, those numbers had plummeted to 1.18 billion (although over the last three years there has been a steady uptick).Do you send Christmas cards after death?
Should you send a Christmas card to someone suffering a loss this year? Absolutely! In fact, sending a Christmas card is a great way to help lift the spirit of someone who has suffered any type of loss this year. Your card lets the person know you haven’t forgotten which shows you care about them and their loss.
Why do we give cards?Cards can be the best thing for this, sending a card expresses all the human emotions, joy, thanks, sympathy, humour, love and admiration. It allows us to connect on an emotional level with the people who have touched our lives.
Article first time published onWhich country sends the most Christmas cards?
UK consumers lead the rest of the world in sending greetings cards, new Ofcom research reveals. As the final posting date for Christmas arrives, Ofcom’s survey finds that more consumers in the UK send greetings cards than in any other country surveyed.
What are three evergreens associated with Christmas?
The most popular fir trees used for Christmas include the noble fir, fraser fir and balsam fir. Browse the entire list below. The balsam fir is an evergreen tree best known for its conical shape and dense, dark-green leaves that are flat and needle-like.
What do people do holiday cards?
- Turn them into books. The easiest thing you can do with all of your cards is simply to bind them into books. …
- Snap images of the photo cards to update your smartphone contacts. …
- Recycle them into gift tags. …
- Make recycled art! …
- Turn them into ornaments.
How many Christmas cards are sent each year?
Christmas is the largest card-sending holiday in the United States with approximately 1.3 billion cards sent annually.
Do other countries send Christmas cards?
They are offered in domestic, USA, and International denominations and available in books at the postal outlets. Europe: Collectively, Europe purchased nearly 2 billion Christmas cards last year! Now, that does include those from the UK, but what a great number of greetings shared with the world.
How do you end a Christmas card?
- Best wishes.
- With love.
- With all our love.
- Much Love.
- Hugs and kisses.
- XOXO.
- Lots of love.
- Warmly.
What should I write in a Christmas card to a friend?
“Wishing you a Christmas that’s merry and bright!” “We hope you have a safe and relaxing holiday season.” “I hope your holiday season is full of peace, joy and happiness.” “Merry Christmas with lots of love.”
When should you give a Christmas card?
When to Send Out Christmas Cards? Answer: Send out Christmas cards to family and friends 2-3 weeks before Christmas day. You should always send out Christmas cards during the first full week of December to avoid sending your cards out too early or too late.
What words to say to someone who lost a loved one?
- I’m sorry.
- I care about you.
- He/she will be dearly missed.
- He/she is in my thoughts and prayers.
- You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
- You are important to me.
- My condolences.
- I hope you find some peace today.
How many Christmas cards does the average person send?
HOW MANY HOLIDAY CARDS DOES THE AVERAGE PERSON SEND? Most people send between 50 and 100 cards, but it varies greatly from person to person. There are many things to consider, such as how many people are in your household, how many immediate family members you and your partner have, and what profession you are in.
How do you honor a loved one who has passed away?
- Experience their favorite things. …
- Make a donation. …
- Create a memorial. …
- Create a grant or scholarship. …
- Complete their unfinished projects. …
- Keep something of theirs close by. …
- Light a candle. …
- Establish a celebration of their life.
What do I write on the back of a Christmas card?
- Happy holidays from our house to yours.
- Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
- Merry everything & happy always.
- Hoping your holidays are filled with love, family and happiness.
- Happy holidays & happy 2022!
Why do we keep birthday cards?
Keeping in contact with them is undeniably important and a birthday card is one of the ways to retain the bond that you have with them. They also give an authentic touch. Personalised cards are a far more meaningful greeting than a simple Facebook post – which anyone could do with the click of a button.
What does sending a card mean?
Sending a card is a way to show someone you’re thinking about them, or you wish them well, or you’re proud of them.
Should you always give a card with a gift?
The short answer to this question is yes. You should always include a card with a gift. It’s an extra touch for the recipient that makes the gift more personal. On a practical note, including a card also ensures that the recipient will know who the gift was from.
Which country sends the most cards to Santa?
So, how many letters did Santa get this year? An international mailing organization says Santa most likely got more than 7 million letters this year from all over the world. According to this organization, last year Santa received the most letters from France, where about 1.7 million French children wrote them.
How many cards each person sends on average each year in the UK?
People in Britain send an average of about 16 cards each.
How many Christmas cards are sent each year in the UK 2019?
The Royal Mail estimates that it delivers 150 million cards during the Christmas period. And other sources claim that one billion Christmas cards are sold in the UK each year. It takes 1 tree to make 3,000 Christmas cards.
What are Christmas symbols?
- Stars.
- Candles.
- Gifts With a Bow.
- Red and Green.
- Bells.
- Candy Canes.
- Wreaths.
- Mistletoe.
What does the Christmas tree symbolize?
In Christianity, Christmas tree is symbolic of birth and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The tree’s branches and shrubs are viewed as an emblem of immortality and are said to symbolize the crown of thorns worn by Christ on the cross.
Why is the tree a symbol of Christmas?
Pagans used branches to decorate their homes during the winter solstice, as it made them think of the spring to come. Romans used fir trees to decorate their homes for the New Year. Christians used evergreens as a sign of everlasting life with God. Fir trees were first used as Christmas trees.