Keeping the Spirit of Christmas Alive...
Elizabeth Fanslow
It’s a tradition, for me, that I will never let go of until I am physically or mentally unable to do it. Yes, it means that much to me. Every year I sit down and review my list of names and every year it gets a bit longer.
Rarely do I remove a name, but I always seem to add a few new ones each year and that makes me smile. To me that means I have met someone new who I am grateful to have in my life.
Receiving a Christmas card often evokes a range of positive emotions, contributing to the warmth and joy associated with the holiday season. Here are just a few of the emotions that people feel when receiving a Christmas card:
1. Gratitude and Appreciation: Christmas cards are typically sent with good intentions, and receiving one can make individuals feel appreciated and valued. The effort put into selecting, writing, and sending a card demonstrates thoughtfulness and care.
2. Connection and Thoughtfulness: Christmas cards serve as a reminder that someone has taken the time to reach out and send well-wishes during the festive season. This can create a sense of connection, especially when the sender includes a personal message or shares updates about their life.
3. Nostalgia: Receiving a Christmas card may trigger feelings of nostalgia, especially if the sender is a friend or family member with whom one shares memories of past holiday celebrations. The act of exchanging cards can reinforce traditions and a sense of continuity.
4. Happiness: Positive and uplifting messages commonly found in Christmas cards can bring joy and happiness to the recipient. Whether through humorous anecdotes, heartfelt sentiments, or simple well-wishes, the content of the card can have a positive impact on the recipient's mood.
5. Surprise and Excitement: Receiving unexpected mail, especially during the holiday season, can be a delightful surprise. The anticipation of opening a card and discovering its contents can evoke a sense of excitement.
Christmas cards have the power to evoke feelings of warmth, connection, and joy. They serve as tangible expressions of goodwill and contribute to the overall positive atmosphere associated with the holiday season.
For you history buffs…here is a little history about how the ‘Christmas Card’ got started…
The history of sending Christmas cards dates back to the 19th century, and the practice has since become an integral part of the holiday season.
The tradition can be traced back to the United Kingdom, where the first commercial Christmas card is believed to have been produced in 1843. Sir Henry Cole, a prominent British civil servant and educator, is credited with commissioning the creation of the first Christmas card. The card featured a festive scene and was designed by John Callcott Horsley, an artist.
Early Christmas cards were not only a means of festive greetings but also a way to promote goodwill and charity.
In the United States, the tradition of sending Christmas cards gained traction in the mid-1800s. Louis Prang, a German immigrant and lithographer, is often referred to as the "Father of the American Christmas Card." He began producing popular and artistic Christmas cards in the 1870s, contributing to the widespread adoption of the practice in the United States.
Over the years, Christmas cards have evolved in terms of design, style, and messaging. From traditional religious themes to modern and humorous illustrations, Christmas cards offer a diverse range of expressions.
