The History of Christmas Cards
The tradition of sending Christmas cards began in the early 19th century, when Sir Henry Cole, a British civil servant, commissioned the first-ever printed Christmas card in 1843. The card featured an image of a family gathered around a festive table, along with the message, "A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to You." This simple gesture sparked a tradition that would spread quickly across Europe and eventually to the United States.
By the late 1800s, Christmas cards became more affordable, thanks to advances in printing technology, and people began sending them in greater numbers. The first known American-made Christmas card was produced in 1851 by a man named Louis Prang, who is often credited as the "father of the American Christmas card." His designs featured vibrant illustrations of flowers, winter scenes, and angels, which quickly became popular in American homes.
Today, Christmas cards come in many forms: traditional, modern, humorous, and even handmade. The cards not only carry greetings but often reflect the unique regional flavors, symbols, and icons of each state. Let's take a journey through the states to see how Christmas cards reflect local traditions.
Alabama – Southern Charm and Warmth
In Alabama, Christmas cards often feature classic Southern imagery, such as decorated magnolia trees, sugarplum fairies, and the twinkling lights of historic homes. Alabama’s warm winters make it a perfect backdrop for cards featuring scenes of front porches adorned with holiday decorations. Some cards also nod to the state's Civil War history, with vintage designs evoking the old-world charm of antebellum architecture.
State trivia: Did you know Alabama is home to the first recorded Christmas celebration in the U.S.? In 1837, the town of Mobile declared Christmas a public holiday.
California – Beachy and Bright
In California, Christmas cards can be as diverse as the state's landscapes. Coastal imagery is popular, with cards often showcasing palm trees decorated with lights or sunny beaches adorned with Santa Claus in a swimsuit. In Northern California, snow-capped mountains and redwood trees make frequent appearances, while in Southern California, holiday cards might feature themes of surfing Santas and beach bonfires.
State trivia: California was the first state to officially adopt Christmas as a holiday in 1851.
Colorado – Mountain Majesty
Colorado's Christmas cards are all about celebrating the great outdoors. Expect to see snow-covered mountains, sledding scenes, and wildlife like deer and elk in the designs. Many cards feature the state's iconic aspen trees, which turn golden yellow in the fall and provide a striking contrast to the winter snow. For an authentic Colorado touch, some cards might even include images of skiers or snowboarders descending the slopes.
State trivia: The iconic "Rocky Mountain Christmas" card motif was popularized in Colorado during the 20th century, drawing on the state's scenic mountain landscapes.
Florida – Tropical Holidays
Florida’s Christmas cards have a tropical twist. Instead of snowflakes, palm trees glisten with lights, and instead of reindeer, alligators might be seen wearing Santa hats. The state's beach towns, like Miami and Key West, often inspire cards that feature vibrant sunsets, beachgoers in festive attire, and colorful holiday decorations.
State trivia: Florida’s holiday spirit is evident in its “Christmas in the Tropics” theme, where many towns along the Gulf Coast feature boat parades during the holidays.
Hawaii – Aloha Christmas
In Hawaii, Christmas cards reflect the spirit of Aloha, blending festive imagery with the natural beauty of the islands. Cards from Hawaii often showcase tropical flowers like hibiscus, palm trees adorned with lights, or Santa in a Hawaiian shirt, surfing through the waves. Christmas in Hawaii is warm, with a strong emphasis on family, feasts, and local traditions.
State trivia: Hawaii was the last U.S. state to join the Union, in 1959, but it has quickly become famous for its laid-back and festive approach to the holiday season.
Michigan – A Winter Wonderland
In Michigan, Christmas cards often feature quintessential winter imagery, such as snow-covered barns, ice skating, and sleigh rides through forests. The state’s diverse landscapes—ranging from the Great Lakes to dense pine forests—provide plenty of inspiration for holiday card designs. Some cards even showcase Michigan's rich industrial history, with vintage depictions of Detroit during the holiday season.
State trivia: Michigan is home to the largest Christmas store in the world, Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland, located in Frankenmuth.
New York – Iconic City Lights
New York Christmas cards are some of the most recognizable in the world, thanks to the state’s iconic holiday scenes, particularly from New York City. The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, ice skaters in Central Park, and the bustling streets of Manhattan covered in snow are all popular motifs. In upstate New York, cards might feature snowy forests or quaint small-town celebrations that evoke nostalgia.
State trivia: The first-ever American-made Christmas card was created in New York in 1851, by the German-American printer Louis Prang.
Texas – Bold and Bright
In Texas, Christmas cards often combine festive charm with a touch of the state's distinct personality. Expect to see cards with cowboy Santas, decorated cacti, and longhorn steer in the holiday spirit. Texas’ vast and varied landscapes—from the desert to the plains—provide a rich tapestry for designing unique holiday cards. And of course, Christmas lights are a big part of the Texan holiday tradition, with cities like San Antonio featuring large light displays.
State trivia: In Texas, Christmas lights are so iconic that many communities, like the one in Austin, hold annual “Christmas Light Trails” events.
Washington – Evergreen Celebrations
In Washington state, Christmas cards often highlight the region’s evergreen forests and dramatic mountain scenery. The Pacific Northwest’s lush, green forests provide a beautiful contrast to the snowy peaks of the Cascade Mountains. Cards from Washington might feature towering Douglas fir trees or serene lakes surrounded by snow. Many cards also showcase Washington’s famous landmarks, like Mount Rainier, wrapped in a blanket of snow.
State trivia: Washington is known for its "Christmas Tree Capital," where millions of Christmas trees are grown for sale every year.
Conclusion
As we've seen, the history of Christmas cards in the U.S. is deeply connected to local culture, history, and geography. Whether it's the snowy vistas of Michigan, the beachy vibes of California, or the cowboy Christmas scenes in Texas, each state brings its own flavor to the holiday card tradition. Sending Christmas cards not only carries the spirit of the season but also offers a glimpse into the unique identities of states across the country. So, as you prepare to send out your holiday greetings this year, take a moment to think about how your card might reflect the rich tapestry of American traditions—and maybe even share a little state trivia with your recipients along the way!