CHRISTMAS just wouldn’t be the same without cards. From writing them to all your classmates in primary school and sticky-taping a candy cane on the back, to sending them across the country and world to loved ones who live afar, they are a much-treasured tradition.
The First Christmas Card originated over 150 years ago in England. The founder of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London Sir Henry Cole was the first to initiate the First Christmas card after discovering that handwriting several holiday greetings to his many friends proved to be a tiresome task.
Sir Henry Cole was a strong advocator of aiding the destitute, so he also wished for the poor and needy to be seen and recognised during this festive season.
In 1843, Sir Henry Cole commissioned the artist John Calcott Horsely to illustrate the First Christmas Card. The card showed a family and their friends enjoying time together while outside their window were images of clothing, the needy and feeding the poor.
The card showed the happiness of the Christmas season as well as the need to look toward the destitute. With this First Christmas Card, although it was not an extremely popular illustration, the tradition of giving Christmas cards has remained.
Since then, the Christmas Card has remained strong as a popular tradition in sending well wishes in the festive season. Over 100 million Christmas cards are sent each Christmas in Australia alone.
