“The first Christmas card was privately printed in London in 1843. As the exchange of Christmas cards grew in popularity, commercial production became widespread in Europe and America, providing customers with thousands of images from which to choose.” -The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Also in 1843, Charles Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol which was first published on December 17th! “Before A Christmas Carol, there was surprisingly little celebration during the Christmas season. After its publication, the holiday became a high point of the year.” -npr
However you choose to celebrate this holiday season- whether by sending a card or being generous in some way, remember the true spirit of the season is all about reaching out to family, friends and those less fortunate, making connections and being playful.
“For it is good to be like children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas!”A Christmas Carol