What is the symbolism behind Christmas cards?

Answer 1

There isn't any symbolism associated with cards - they began and remain a written form of holiday greeting.

A civil servant with a strong interest in art and design, Henry Cole (1808-1882) began his career in the Public Records Office in London at the age of 15. Here he played a key role in organizing Britain's national archives. While assistant to Sir Rowland Hill, Cole was instrumental in reforming the Penny Post (British postal service) and in introducing the first adhesive postage stamp known as the "Penny Black".

When Cole found he did not have time to send personal Christmas letters one year, he approached friend and artist John Callcott Horsley and commissioned Horsley to illustrate a Christmas greeting card.

In 1843, Cole's cards, featuring Horsley's illustration, were printed in lithograph form and then colored by hand. 1,000 cards were initially printed featuring the sentiment, "A Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year To You." After addressing cards to his friends and family, the remaining cards were sold for sixpence each, thus becoming the first commercial Christmas cards.