Christmas Card Day
Wednesday, December 9, 2026
Christmas Card Day on December 9 encourages people to send and enjoy Christmas cards, a cherished holiday tradition that dates back to the 19th century. The day celebrates the practice of exchanging written greetings and seasonal messages, keeping connections warm during the holiday season through personalized correspondence.
History
The first commercial Christmas card was created in 1843 by Sir Henry Cole in London, who commissioned John Callcott Horsley to design a card featuring a family enjoying Christmas. The tradition spread rapidly with improvements in printing technology and postal services. By the early 20th century, sending Christmas cards had become a widespread custom in Western countries, reaching its peak popularity in the mid-20th century.
How It's Celebrated
People write and send Christmas cards to family and friends, often including personal letters or family photo updates. Many enjoy displaying cards received from others. The day also encourages people to try making handmade cards, support charity card programs, or use digital cards to reconnect with loved ones.