The Joy of Sending Christmas Cards: Why They’re Worth the Investment

What would Christmas be without Christmas cards? Even in todays digital world, nothing beats receiving a thoughtful hand written card in the post. A tradition that brings family and friends closer together, keeping in touch with loved ones and spreading Christmas cheer. Read on to discover the history of this lovely tradition, the dos and don'ts, quick tips for writing, getting organised and whether you're on the fence about sending them this year.

The Fascinating History of The First Christmas Card

Ever wondered where the tradition of Christmas cards originated from? Dating back to the Victorian era, the introduction of the penny post in 1840, prompted the popularity of sending Christmas cards. The penny post was the first postal service available to ordinary people, with previously only the rich being able to afford it.

A new innovation for the postal system at the time, each item cost only one penny to send. In 1843, civil servant Sir Henry Cole, who helped develop this new system, invented the first commercial Christmas card by commissioning his friend and artist John Callcott Horsley to design a thousand cards. In the same week that Charles dickens ‘A Christmas Carol’ was first published, he sold his cards for one shingly each.

The trend took off with more designs, shapes and styles appearing and from 1860 Christmas cards began to be produced in larger quantities.

With many of the first cards depicting religious nativity scenes, in late Victorian times, Christmas trees, robins and snowy scenes became increasingly popular which evolved to hand made Christmas cards in the early 1900’s. Today we see everything from traditional Christmas cards, to pet Christmas cards, snowy scene’s, religious, humour and everything in between.

Why Sending Christmas Cards Is Still Important

To show how much you care - they're a lovely reminder of thoughtfulness, showing the time and effort you put into making contact. Receiving a physical card feels extra special, something that a digital card or email can’t compete with.
To build on and preserve tradition - the tradition of sending Christmas cards is one many families cherish, creating lasting memories and marking each year in a purposeful way.
To support loved ones - not everyone finds the festive season easy and a card is a meaningful way to bring comfort and joy to friends or family who may be going through a tough time.
To foster long distance connections - for family and friends who live far away, a card is a great way of keeping in touch.
To add to the festive atmosphere - cards add warmth and charm to Christmas decor, especially when they're displayed on a mantelpiece.
To create moments of joy in everyday life - receiving a card in the post is often unexpected and brings a delightful surprise amid your daily routine.

How to Choose the Perfect Christmas Card

Select a format and size, do you prefer to send a few single Christmas cards to special people, or Christmas card packs to all of you family and friends?
If you’re sending six or sixty, choose a design you resonate with most, reflecting your personality and style. With a variety of subjects available, from graphic bold designs to handmade, hand drawn or photographic, you’ll quickly be drawn to something that sums up Christmas for you. Designs could range from a Christmas Pudding to a Goose, Partridge or Robin.
Consider your audience and whether the design conveys the sentiment of your message. Family may love a traditional Christmas scene although friends may enjoy something more humorous.
Opt for luxury Christmas cards that offer high quality sturdy card stock, along with a matte or slightly textured feel, which will make your card stand out amongst the rest.
Select an eco friendly or sustainable option, considering the materials the card and envelope are made from and whether they can be recycled after.

Essential Do's and Don'ts

Do - choose a unique design that resembles you or your family. Reflect the sentiment you want to share, whether elegant, quirky, or traditional.
Do - look at the quality. Aim for a 300gsm board which will give you a thick surface to right on. Supermarket cards tend to be thin and shiny.
Do - check your addresses with family and friends to avoid them getting lost.
Do - handwrite your messages, to add a personal touch that shows time and care, making each one even more special.

Don’t - forget to sign your name, there’s always one!
Don’t - send the same message to everyone, keep it personal by adding a heartfelt note.
Don’t - rush them. Avoid buying and writing your cards at the last minute, which will take the enjoyment out of sending them.
Don't - forget to include other family members signature.

What to Write in Your Christmas Cards

Are you a Merry Christmas or Happy Christmas kind of person? Faced with a blank page, knowing what to write can be tricky when starting out. Whether it’s sentimental, sweet, romantic, religious, traditional or funny, begin with a short festive greeting, this could be anything from ‘Merry Christmas’ to ‘Merry Christmas and best wishes for a happy and healthy year’. Follow it with a personal update, sharing your news, highlight a memorable event or if you’re looking for something different, add a line from a poem or joke. A few ideas to get you started:

Wishing you peace and joy this Christmas
It's the most wonderful time of the year!
Lets eat, drink and be merry!
Tis' the season to be jolly!
Thinking of you and wishing you a wonderful Christmas
Sending the biggest Merry Christmas from afar
Wishing you a fun-filled Christmas!
The only thing I love more than Christmas is you

Quick Tips For Getting Organised

Make your list by mid November, to work out how many cards you need. Always order extra, for last minute add on’s or spelling mistakes!
Gather supplies in advance, whether you're into colourful pens or using a stamp. A stamp can be a great way of speeding up the process, keeping your message neat and tidy - Blade Rubber Stamps are great for customising your own.
Set a schedule, put some time aside each week to write your cards, whether’s it’s a few an evening or an hour at the weekend.
Batch similar tasks together for example, writing your message, sealing envelopes or adding stamps.
Buy your stamps in bulk. Choose a festive design and order them directly from the Royal Mail website to avoid post office hassle.
When you receive a surprise card, add the person to your list and send them one back to spread the Christmas joy.
At the end of Christmas, keep your cards. Cut the design into small pieces to use as gift tags next year.

Festive Friday

Usually the last Friday of November, Festive Friday is a day where many people, particularly in the greetings card industry, send their Christmas cards to begin the exchange of festive wishes. Receiving a card often prompts you to send one in return, making contact with those you may have lost touch with.

Wrapping Up: Keeping the Tradition Alive

Sending Christmas cards is a great way to share joy and love to the people in your life that matter most, bringing happiness to you as the sender and to the recipient. Get in the festive spirit and keep this wonderful tradition alive. If you're really set against sending them this year, hand delivering a few special cards to family and friends you are seeing or passing, is still a thougtful way to spread some cheer.