Festive greetings

One of the most popular things to do at Christmas is to send festive cards to friends and family.  It is a great opportunity to take some time composing a handwritten message full of seasonal cheer, best wishes and news on what you’ve been up to.

In The National Archives’ collection there are many examples of Christmas cards. There are designs which were made for mass manufacture as well as poignant reminders of how people communicated during the First World War.  The National Archives’ has a unique connection to the tradition of sending cards too.  Henry Cole, a lawyer who worked for the government in the Victorian period and helped established the beginnings of The National Archives in 1838, introduced the first Christmas cards for sale in 1843.

Below are a selection of card designs including an amusing card sent to a furry resident of government!  Explore the documents and answer the questions. Afterwards, there is a craft activity to complete so that you can share the joy of sending cards.

One of the most popular things to do at Christmas is to send festive cards to friends and family.

One of the most popular things to do at Christmas is to send festive cards to friends and family.

One of the most popular things to do at Christmas is to send festive cards to friends and family.

One of the most popular things to do at Christmas is to send festive cards to friends and family.