Christmas cards are a yearly tradition in many families.  They begin showing up in the mail box in early December and by Christmas week the mantle, tables, and doorframes are usually full of them. Some are funny, some are beautiful and some are homemade.  They often have bright envelopes and special stamps.

On the inside there is usually a few lines wishing the recipient a Merry Christmas.  Perhaps a Christmas letter catching up on all that has happened in the past year.  A few will even go so far as to include pictures of the family. 

Where did this holiday tradition start anyway?

The first commercial Christmas card ever made was a small postcard by an artist named John Callcott Horsley which was created in London in 1843.  Over 2000 of the cards were bought and sent.  The popularity of cards grew yearly. 

In 1875 Louis Prang introduced Christmas cards to America and they quickly became part of the Victorian holiday tradition.  Through out the next few decades the number of cards sent grew rapidly.  The themes changes from decade to decade, with patriotic cards popular during both World Wars, and humorous cards becoming popular during the late 1950s.  Christmas cards seem to be on the decline, however, as people use e-cards more and more.

Christmas Cards are a popular collectible item on eBay.  The intricately detailed cards from Victorian times can bring $25.00 or more, while a box of unused cards from the 1950s can go for $15.00 or $20.00.  Some collectors collect only certain eras while others concentrate on designs and characters.  The cards can become a creative part of your holiday decorating scheme.  While eBay is the best place to find antique Christmas cards it is not the only place to find them. 

Look for vintage and antique cards at:

Tias

Granny's Attic

Christmas cards can be homemade. There are numerous craft companies that have unique items to make your own cards with. Companies like Stampin' Up have stamps and embossing tools to make amazing and beautiful cards if you are the crafty type.

Scrap Village has a great online gallery to inspire you.

Making Greeting Cards has simple instructions for making holiday cards.

Kelli form Kelli's House has a fantastic pattern for a beautiful vintage look Christmas card on her blog.

Art Projects for Kids has instructions for Christmas cards that kids can make.

More Christmas cards that kids can make can be found at kids crafts weekly.

If making your own cards from scratch is beyond what you want to do check out these sites for printable Christmas cards. Just print, cut and fold!

DLTK Holidays has several printable cards with matching envelopes and notepaper.

Mint Printableshas some very high quality images that are free to print.

Activity Village has some cute colored cards to print for children to give to their friends.

PrintFree has many Holiday designs to choose from.

All Things Christmas has several beautiful vintage look Christmas cards as well as gift tags and other printable items.

Another way to send Christmas cards is to send e-Cards.  This is an electronic card that you send through email.  Some of them are free and some cost money so be sure to read carefully.

• Blue Mountain 
• 123 Greeting 
• Hallmark 
• Care2Com
• American Greetings 

There are many more.  A quick Internet search using e-cards, free e-cards, etc. as the search terms should help you find the perfect card if you can't find it at the above sites.

Of course you can buy boxed cards nearly anywhere from grocery stores to the Internet at this time of year. Whether you are looking for personalized Christmas cards, funny Christmas cards, or even dog Christmas cards you are sure to find what you are looking for on one of the following sites.

• Cards Direct
• Tiny Prints Photo Cards
• Zazzle
• Christian Books
• Victorian Trading Company

• If you have many cards to send divide them up evenly and do a few each night starting in November.
• Add a little glitter to the envelope for pizazz.
• Use gel pens for addressing the envelope.
• Use scented felt tips for the envelope.
• Add a drop of cinnamon or peppermint essential oil to the envelope.
• Always write at least a short note.
• Use special Christmas stamps.
• Try to have your cards mailed by December 17th.

Sending and recieving Christmas cards is a fun way to keep up with family and friends.