The custom of sending Christmas cards started in Britain in 1840 when the first 'Penny Post' public postal deliveries began after the invention of the railways. Originally, people sent hand-written greetings but as printing methods improved, Christmas cards were produced in large numbers and became even more popular in Britain when a Christmas card could be posted in an unsealed envelope for one half-penny - half the price of an ordinary letter.
The first Christmas card designed for sale was by London artist John Calcott Horsley. The respected illustrator was commissioned by Sir Henry Cole, a wealthy British businessman, who wanted a card he could proudly send to friends and professional acquaintances to wish them a "merry Christmas." Cole was a famous entrepreneur who modernized the British postal system, managed construction of the Albert Hall, and oversaw the inauguration of the Victoria and Albert Museum. Most of all, Cole sought to "beautify life," and in his spare time he ran an art shop on Bond Street, specializing in decorative objects for the home. In the summer of 1843, he commissioned Horsley to design an impressive card for that year's Christmas.
These days, it's easy to create all kinds of Christmas greetings - eCards, newsletters, photo cards and more - and it can easily overwhelm people at one of the busiest times of the year. Making your own cards is still a satisfying thing to create and even nicer for someone to receive.
