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This year if you need to send out Christmas cards consider your options. There are a host of Christmas card options that are free. For example, electronic Christmas cards are usually free and can be sent to multiple people at once or with a special message for one. By sending out Christmas cards you offer something for everyone and a well wishing message. People love to see that they are remembered for the holiday. Victorian Santa Cards
Do you want to print your own cards? There are several cute pictures, including Santa offered in an 8 ½ x 11 format. You just need cardstock in your printer and you are ready to go. Just fold the card in half after it is printed, and write a special message inside. You can also find gift tags or mailing labels to match your Christmas cards online. The History of the Christmas Card:
The idea of Christmas cards started in 1843. This was the first year a seal with a Christmas emblem was created. The cards were produced in England, but soon began to spread to other countries, with more than 25,000 Christmas cards produced in the second year. Some individuals did not like the Christmas card idea because of the first picture produced. The picture was of people with glasses raised saying “Merry Christmas.” There were a few who did not think alcohol and the holy Christmas should exist together. It took 30 years before the American citizen could buy cards in their own country. Louis Prang moved to America in 1875, bringing with him his card shop. He printed birds and flowers on the cards, which meant they could really be used at other times of the year. By 1881 Louis Prang had created more than 5 million Christmas cards each year. Now we have over a hundred ideas for Christmas cards to choose from. You can go small and elaborate or big and simple. The top creator of Christmas cards in the US today is Hallmark. Each season they work on creating new ideas; however the traditional cards are most popular, meaning elves, Santa Clause, and sleighs. As of the late 1990’s the most used Christmas cards have been the electronic for their ease of sending and musical designs. The electronic websites offer card choices, in which the sender writes a personal message then enters the email addresses. Once everything has been previewed the sender clicks the “send” button and the card awaits the receiver in their email box. We have a couple of ideas on how you can make your Christmas card more personal: You can attach fern style leaves to the front of the card, making the front look like a tree, instead of buying a premade card. You can use coloured tape or paper to create Christmas tree decorations. Ribbon also works well. We also suggest a drawing if you don’t wish to use cut outs. You might trace a picture until you get good at drawing it, or simply let your talents work for you. The ideas can be elaborate or simple depending on your choices. You can even add layers to the card with other paper. Another great idea for making your own Christmas cards is using your computer. Throughout the last year you most likely took family pictures, perhaps while on vacation. Your Christmas card doesn’t have to have the Christmas theme; you can just use your family or a special site you photographed. Then you simply print the picture correctly on the card stock, sign a personal message and send the card along in the mail. You have the option of decorating the envelope with Christmas symbols to make it more meaningful. For Christmas Trivia enthusiasts: The German Post Office offered 20 million stickers with fragrances to be used on Christmas cards and envelopes. They offered these scented options in 2004. The fragrances varied from gingerbread, honey, and pine. In 1940 Christmas cards hit an all time high when compared to previous years. The reason for this increase was World War II. Family, friends, and children wanted to make sure those fighting overseas would still have a Christmas card for the holidays. The messages and pictures varied. UNICEF and other charity organizations have a fundraiser with the use of Christmas cards to help gather funds for those who do not have money for Christmas. The idea of the charity was launched in 1949. In America about 28 Christmas cards are sent each year, and these senders will receive about that many in return.
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