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Let it snow!
Did you know that the first commercial Christmas card originated in England more than 150 years ago? The card, which was painted by an artist named John Calcott Horsley, read: “A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to You.” Only 1,000 copies of this original card were ever produced.
As the custom of giving Christmas cards grew in the late 1800s and the early part of the 1900s, card designs began to take on different shapes and forms. Some were made of fancy materials, such as silk and satin, others were cut in the shape of fans, bells, birds and candles. And still others were produced as puzzles or with elaborate folds and pop-ups.
On November 1, 2006, Canada Post issued three stamps to celebrate the art and tradition of Christmas cards. These stamps feature three Christmas cards that were published in Canada in 1931. When you look at the fun and snowy activities shown on these cards—skiing, tobogganing and, of course, snowman building—you can’t help getting into the spirit of the season! |
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