Cards

Back to Christmas Symbols

Cards

       Early Christmas cards were a kind of stationery that people used to write notes to each other. The first card was made in England by Sir Henry Cole and an artist friend named John Horsley. This early card showed a Christmas scene with three parts. In the center was a picture

of children, parents and grandparents seated at a table. On either side were pictures showing Christmas charity (people helping others). Underneath was the phrase "A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to You." 

        Before there were Christmas cards there were "Christmas Pieces".  These were written pieces that school boys in England wrote neatly and sent as greetings to their parents to show what they were learning in writing.  They believed if they did a good job on their writing piece they would be rewarded with a special Christmas gift.

This page was created for

Ross Elementary School

Last updated: 12/12/07