Holiday Cards

Each holiday season, I look forward to opening holiday cards from friends and family.  I also enjoy sending out my own holiday cards to everyone on my list with updated pictures of my family – or as my husband jokes, of the kids since no one cares about seeing us age.  They just care about seeing the kids pictures each year.

Holiday Cards | A Brief History

The tradition of sending holiday cards dates back to the 1840s, when Henry Cole, a British businessman, commissioned artist John Calcott Horsley to create a card featuring a family raising a toast to the season. At the time, cards were expensive and only accessible to the wealthy, but they quickly became a popular way to exchange well wishes and greetings during the holiday season.

Holiday Cards | Modern Twist

Over the years, holiday cards have evolved and become more accessible to the general public and popular with families with little children. One change in the last 20 years or so is the addition of family pictures on holiday cards. This modern tradition has become increasingly popular in recent decades, as it allows people to showcase their families, homes, and holiday traditions in a personal and meaningful way.  I’ve recently opened holiday cards that also serve as birth announcements, updated details on a family’s move, and ones that share adorable details about the family’s last year of adventures.

There are many benefits to including pictures on your annual cards. For one, they add a personal touch that can be missing from traditional cards with generic holiday messages. Seeing a family’s smiling faces or a beautifully decorated home can bring joy and warmth to the recipient and make the card feel more special and meaningful.

Holiday Cards | Why We Love Them

Pictures on holiday cards can also be a way to document and preserve memories. Many families take holiday photos specifically for their holiday cards, and these pictures can serve as a record of how the family has changed and grown over the years. Seeing how children have grown or how a couple’s relationship has evolved can be a heartwarming experience for both the sender and the recipient.

There are many options for creating Christmas cards with pictures, ranging from traditional paper cards to digital versions that can be sent via email or social media. Some people choose to use professional photographers to capture their holiday photos, while others opt for more casual and candid shots taken with their smartphones.   It’s a great way to have a annual update of your family, with pictures that capture your family in whatever way you want.  I know I love seeing cards of candid moments and smartphone pictures just as much as Christmas cards that include professional family photographers.

One popular option is to use websites or apps that allow users to create custom holiday cards with their own pictures and designs. These online stores and platforms often offer a range of templates and customization options, making it easy for users to create cards that are unique and reflective of their personal style.  Most professional photographers also include the option to custom design holiday cards for their clients. I love offering these unique designs that can’t be found on popular DIY holiday card websites like Shutterfly.

In conclusion, the tradition of sending holiday cards with pictures has become an integral part of modern holiday celebrations. These cards provide a personal and meaningful way to exchange well wishes and document memories.  Plus, who doesn’t love to open fun mail that makes you smile.