Christmas cards were popular in Europe before Louis Prang, a Boston lithographer, brought the custom to the United States in 1875. He offered a selection of cards with art reproductions from original works by contemporary painters. He was soon forced out of business by the German card-makers who priced their post cards at just 1 penny. These penny post cards were in favor until World War I arrived and all shipping from Germany was blocked.
At the same time an enterprising young Joyce Hall was abandoning the sales of penny post cards and replacing them with greeting cards. Hall's business became Hallmark Cards. Hallmark has had a special focus on Christmas cards even since its earliest days.
Modern technology has diminished some of the number of Christmas Cards sent through the mail, although an estimated 2 billion card were exchanged. In 2005, President Bush and his wife sent over 1.4 million cards wishing Happy Holidays to lucky recipients.
CDPL has a large collection of Christmas books located on the 2nd floor. Browse titles here.
Sources:
Chalmers, Irena. The Great American Christmas Almanac, NY: Viking, 1988
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