The First Christmas Card

Although wood engravers produced prints with religious themes throughout Europe during the Middle Ages; the first Christmas card is believed to have been designed by John Callcott Horsley in England in 1843. The card was made for his friend Sir Henry Cole.

It was lithographed on stiff cardboard, 5 1/8 by 3 1/4 inches, in dark sepia and hand-colored. The center of the card shows a family party in progress. Beneath are the words "A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to You." To one side is a scene of the hungry being fed and to the other side the poor being clothed.

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