The tradition of sending Christmas cards began in England circa 1843. The United States had to import cards from England until 1875 when a German immigrant, Louis Prang, published the first U.S. cards. These cards introduced birds and flowers to the Christmas season, and by 1881, he was printing more than 5 million cards a year.
Christmas cards come in various shapes and sizes, and the Hallmark Company soon became the most well-known publisher of Christmas cards in the country. The most popular cards consist of nostalgic scenes often featuring Santa Claus along with pixies, sleighs and woodland scenes. World War II prompted a huge surge in the use of Christmas cards that featured patriotic symbols and messages.
The advent of the internet allows individuals the opportunity to create their own cards and send them electronically. Records indicate the average American family will send 28 cards to friends and family each year and will receive approximately the same number.
This information was obtained from the website All Things Christmas.
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