Christmas Cards Bring Joy

This 1880 Christmas card is part of the J. Hoover Museum, Philadelphia and portrays the custom of visiting friends, family and neighbours during the holiday season in a horse drawn cutter

The tradition of sending Christmas greetings dates back to early times. Thomas Shorrock of Leith, Scotland sent cards wishing "A Gude Year to Ye" around 1840. It was, however, Sir Henry Cole who is commonly credited with first producing cards in large quantities showing family and acts of charity depicted by an artist he commissioned. Sir Henry Cole received so many Christmas letters that he could not possibly keep up with the Victorian tradition of responding to all correspondence received. The mass production of cards allowed him to do so. It also encouraged the British people to take advantage of the newly established ' Penny Post' adopted by the Postal System to increase its use. Mail could be sent for a penny. This meant corresponding by post was more accessible. 
Please enjoy this sample of the Museum's greeting cards for the Christmas season. 

A personalized Christmas card

the inside of the personalized card with the family name printed with the verse

The tradition of official Christmas cards was introduced by Queen Victoria in the 1880's. 

this card is created as an envelope that holds a tiny card inside under the embroidered flap that is to be lifted up

this card is mounted on cardboard with rope so that it can be hung

The Middleville and District Museum has a great selection of old greeting cards and postcards in its collection. Be sure to check out these beautiful relics of days gone by when you visit the Museum next season.