Christmas Card Day, celebrated annually on December 9, highlights the enduring tradition of sending handwritten holiday greetings. The day encourages people to reflect on the messages they want to share and the relationships they want to honor during the season.
Christmas cards remain a meaningful form of communication, and the observance also points back to the Victorian-era origins of a practice that continues to be part of holiday customs around the world.
When is Christmas Card Day Celebrated?
Christmas Card Day is observed every year on December 9, serving as a gentle reminder to get those holiday cards in the mail before the holiday rush. Here’s when you can plan to celebrate Christmas Card Day over the coming years:
| Year | Date and Day |
|---|---|
| 2025 | December 9, Tuesday |
| 2026 | December 9, Wednesday |
| 2027 | December 9, Thursday |
| 2028 | December 9, Saturday |
| 2029 | December 9, Sunday |
| 2030 | December 9, Monday |
History of Christmas Cards
The Christmas card tradition began in 1843 in Victorian England. Sir Henry Cole, a British civil servant and supporter of postal innovation, wanted a practical way to respond to the many holiday letters he received.
He asked artist John Callcott Horsley to design a card that could be printed in bulk, making it easier to send greetings to relatives, colleagues, and friends. The result was the world’s first commercial Christmas card—a single illustration featuring a family celebration in the center and scenes of charitable giving on each side, reflecting Victorian ideas about generosity and community.
The timing of Cole’s idea aligned with major changes in communication. The introduction of the Universal Penny Post made it affordable for people to send letters and cards throughout Britain, helping the new custom spread quickly. Although Cole printed 1,000 cards, only 21 are known to survive today. Early variations even included scented designs, produced by the perfume maker Rimmel, showing how quickly the format inspired creativity.
Christmas Cards in the United States
The concept reached the United States soon afterward. One of the earliest American examples came from a variety store in Albany, New York, which offered a simple printed holiday greeting.
The practice gained momentum in the 1870s and 1880s thanks to Boston lithographer Louis Prang. His use of chromolithography allowed him to produce detailed, colorful images at a large scale. By the height of his career, Prang was printing more than five million cards each year, making Christmas cards widely available and firmly establishing the tradition in American culture.
Ways to Celebrate Christmas Card Day
This day offers a perfect opportunity to connect with loved ones through a thoughtful tradition. Here are some ideas to mark the day:
- Write Personal Messages: Instead of just signing your name, add a short, heartfelt note to each card. Mention a fond memory or share something you appreciate about the recipient for a truly personal touch.
- Choose Unique or Handmade Cards: Whether you create your own or support local artists, handmade cards add a unique and creative flair to your holiday greetings.
- Host a Card-Writing Gathering: Invite friends or family to join you in a card-writing party. Enjoy hot cocoa, play holiday music, and spend time together while working on your cards.
- Share on Social Media: Post a photo of your cards or a favorite card design with the hashtag #ChristmasCardDay to join others celebrating this holiday tradition.
