138. The first Christmas card The first Christmas letter was sent in 1843 by the Englishman Sir Henry Cole. In the letter, Cole wished his friends and family a “Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.” The letter was simple but very beautiful, and it soon became a huge success. Since then, Christmas letters have been one of the most popular gifts to send and receive during the holiday season.
Artist: Summerly's Home Treasury Office (Publisher), Sir Henry Cole (Creator)
Original Price: $0.08*
Worth Today: $28,000*
Many of us send Christmas cards during the holiday season, but have you ever wondered where that tradition began? Sending Christmas cards began in 1843, thanks to a government worker in the UK named Sir. Henry Cole. Cole helped found the Post Office, and he got the idea to send Christmas cards to help promote his invention.
Sir Cole commissioned his friend, an artist called John Horsley, to create the first Christmas card. The three-panel card, which showed scenes of a Christmas dinner and people caring for the poor, was hand-painted and sold for one shilling each ($ 0.08). Cards originally designed by Horsley and commissioned by Cole were resold at auction for $ 28,000. They are quite rare as it is difficult to find paper products that have lasted since 1840.
