Christmas Cards: A History

[@zakolache4490]

In addition to being a gentleman & a scholar, you gotta admire THG's hat collection, especially this time of year.

[@robertsmith-dr5tm]

Christmas themed headgear. It’s a fashion style that needs to be remembered

[@tenhirankei]

And we got to see a lot of it, didn't we? LOL

[@raydunakin]

1. I loved the frequent changes of holiday headgear! 2. The old card of birds doing "carol practice" (5:12) is really cute and made me smile! Merry Christmas to the History Guy, Mrs. History Guy, and all fans of THG!

[@thetruth-hl7ct]

I worked for a subsidiary of Hallmark. We did all of their custom personalized Christmas cards as well as wedding and other event invitations. The bottom dropped out of the Christmas card business when the housing bubble burst. Thousands of orders canceled in a single day. The personalized Christmas card market never recovered.

[@constancemiller3753]

So sad. A college friend had calling cards. Real, Southern gentleman calling cards. He is a rare treasure.

[@AC-ih7jc]

I love how THG's hats get more outlandish as the video progresses. Happy holidays, all! 🎄 🕯 🕎 🎶 🎁

[@PBGetson]

I didn't even think anything about the red toque Santa hat at the beginning, but the reindeer antlers really made me take notice of his head wear.

[@QurikyBark32919]

Somebody should make a time stamp of each hat

[@lizj5740]

@@QurikyBark32919 See Tru S Armor's comment.

[@jimc3178]

I thought the last one was definitely the best.

[@farmerlamb2372]

My mum has all Christmas cards sent to her family for over 100 years! Sidenote, she also has all of her birthday cards, she was 81 last week.

[@ronfullerton3162]

That would be a vast entertainment supply working one's way through that collection! Enjoy and treasure that collection.

[@monkeygraborange]

How absolutely wonderful!! 🎄

[@wrendellajoens3984]

My parents have done the same, and in fact my father has remarked often and fondly on the sheer number of cards that he has collected in his lifetime (this, in spite of not being a particularly popular fellow outside of our small family). I think it'd be interesting to catalog these cards in chronological order and note the changes in certain family members' handwriting and return addresses as they moved about the country or the world, among other demographics. It'd be akin to following one's life using only the humble birthday and holiday cards one has received.

[@raywood8187]

Watching this feels like getting a warm Christmas card, Merry Christmas History Guy and family!

[@ldbarthel]

Back in the 60's we used to pre-sort our Christmas cards for the post office. Each bundle was tied off with string and included a local or out of town delivery sheet. The sheets were roughly 3x3 in red and white. I'm fairly certain these were provided by the post office, given that we were still in the early days of the Zone Improvement Program (the origin of the "ZIP" in ZIP code, encouraged by the Zippy postal carrier mascot). We still used Penna. instead of PA as the abbreviation for Pennsylvania....

[@lpshy9337]

Thank you for that history nugget from a fellow in the Commonwealth of Penna or PA

[@Mrcaffinebean]

You became the inspiration for yesterday’s video. How about that! Lol

[@ldbarthel]

@@Mrcaffinebean I saw it in my feed, but only got to watch it today. I must admit, I'm kind of chuffed! :D

[@edwardheida2919]

1.3 billion Xmas cards a year. That is a lot of good tidings of blessings and joy. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. All I need now is hat to help celebrated the season

[@tedjones3955]

Thank you for all the entertainment throughout the year. Merry Christmas to you, Mrs. History Guy. A Merry Christmas to all who celebrate it.

[@rydplrs71]

My jr high school art teacher would love this episode. She was a huge collect of antique Christmas cards.

[@HM2SGT]

I love listening to the history guy on my way to work, and when I get to work early I listen while I check off my ambulance. One of the consistent Pleasures in life, as reliable and dependable as phases of the Moon. Happy Christmas one and all. Peace on Earth, Goodwill toward men.

[@davidvansickle5850]

I remember my grandfather's Christmas cards, he made a small batch of Christmas cards, and as an artist, he hand signed each card. As a small local artist, his cards have a local following. His name is James Anthony, worked for GM and served during WWII. .

[@mariamartinusz9699]

That was an absolutely spectecular parade of fancy headgears that took my breath away. 🤣 We used to decorate our Christmas tree with a century-old postcards. These were wonderful postcards in the vid. Merry Christmas to you.!

[@Artur_M.]

Merry Christmas (or whatever Holiday you might celebrate in this season) and a Happy new year to all!

[@samanthab1923]

It used to be much more plentiful. My mom had a legal pad sized list & used to get her cards & envelopes engraved. We got so many in return. Before the time of childrens photos & long family updates 😂

[@monkeygraborange]

I for one miss the long family updates! The majority of the cards I receive are preprinted with banal sentiments and pictures of kids and dogs without a signature or a single written word. A sad excuse for holiday cheer, but better than the Christmas mass-text, which _grrrr!_

[@SammyM00782]

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year History Guy!!!

[@torgeirbrandsnes1916]

Merry Christmas to all of you from me! I have been wringhting Christmas cards since I was 20. A school friend of mine died while in the army, so I started to send a Christmas card to his parents and sister then. It started with ONE card. At the peak it was about 30. This year it was about 10.

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

Literally when you said Queen Victoria. I was just looking at some Christmas Cards 🎄. 1 was from a lady named Victoria. And the card after is from Queen Latifah 👸. Now that's what I would call a coinck a dink !💯

[@johntabler349]

Much of the most beautiful and meaningful religious art in history revolves around Christmas and much of the finest of that art is available at any department store for @$5.97

[@nploates]

Hats off to you for a seasonal and informative video. Merry Christmas!

[@GlennSteffy]

Eek!! A pun?...... in our haus we call em "Daddy Jokes"...... MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL !!!

[@alanwchase7449]

My wife is an avid crafter , one of her faves is greeting cards.I am guessing I sent out at least 75 this year alone.Love the hats.

[@-jeff-]

The horns made my Christmas. TY for the laugh and thanks for being something of a card yourself THG. Merry Christmas 🎅!

[@TheHylianBatman]

What a delightful episode of The History Guy. No war or suffering, just some silly old traditions. I love it. Humans are so delightfully weird.

[@riverraisin1]

Hats off (or hats on, in this case) to you for an episode that deserves to be remembered.

[@gondorr3460]

As well as his good cheer and willingness to appear silly. What a jolly fellow! 🎄🧑‍🎄

[@terryray8370]

I loved this! When I was 8, my grandma died and left me a stack of about 30 post cards. Of course, I did what kids do, and stuck them in a box until about 30 years later, when I started doing my genealogy, and discovered several had handwritten notes from relatives I'd never met on the back. I started studying and collecting postcards and love their history! Recently, I saw there is a drama about postcard artist, Louis Wain, who mainly used cats as his subject matter. However, Wait suffered from severe mental illness, and if you compare his early works with his last ones, you can see the schizophrenia evolve. Might be a good subject, as History That Deserves to be Remembered! Merry Christmas, sir!

[@maddyluciano3029]

I love this channel! It's both entertaining & educational ❤️🎅

[@davidneel8327]

In the late 1960's oversize cards became popular until the Post Office said they would not handle them anymore. At least that is the story I remember. I once bought and oversize card with The Night Before Christmas on the panels. My brother and his family used it as a Christmas decoration for years until it fell apart.

[@RobEJC]

Impressive review of holiday headgear as well, which deserves to be remembered.

[@Jorlaan42]

I lost it at the Christmas tree hat, that was awesome.

[@nickw7619]

To THG and family - since I can not send you a Christmas card due to not knowing your address, ill say it here. Thank you for the joy you bring not only during the holiday season but year round through your videos. I watch every one, and they are the highlights of my mornings before the day starts when they come out. I still remember one of the first videos of yours I saw, when the Pan Am clipper circumnavigated the world when they were caught out in the Pacific Ocean at the start of World War II. Ive been hooked ever since. I wish you and your family a merry Christmas and a happy new year, and hope that you can enjoy them together in good health. Cheers and thank you! P.S. The changing of the hats caught me off guard, for a second I almost had to rewind the video to make sure I wasn't going crazy. The last one was a real winner!

[@matthewpoplawski8740]

AS ALWAYS THE HISTORY GUY, AN EXCELLENT VIDEO!! After having seen the history of Christmas cards, this makes me appreciate my self-tradition of sending Christmas cards to my family and friends. A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS to you Mr.Lance, Mrs.Lance,and, THE THE HISTORY CAT(YEARS AGO, I was told black and white cats are the friendliest cats out there).🎅🎅🎅🌲🌲🌲🌷🌷🌷✌✌✌✌

[@josephgaviota]

Every year, I send out Christmas cards. Maybe I'm a throw-back, but I think it's nice to get something besides a bill in the mail, and I like to think it brightens the recipients day. Plus, some lucky recipients get a CHECK with their card-I'm sure even today, they like THAT.

[@garywatson3778]

The antlers got me. I was not expecting that, nor my hot chocolate being ejected from my mouth at such velocity.

[@bluntblock]

I miss seeing the cards hung up in the front room or on a door. My grandma used to put up her favorites from all the different years, back to when she was young. Merry Christmas everyone 😊🎄❄📮

[@ernestdougherty3162]

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to the history guy and his family and God bless you and thank you for sharing the history

[@navret1707]

I remember growing up having to suffer through the annual family (kids) Christmas photo. Mon used to keep track to whom they were sent and who sent us their family card. I haven’t sent a card in a couple of years, nor have received many over the years. I attribute it to the increased cost of the cards and postage. Merry Christmas from me and mine to you and yours.

[@k.c1126]

Along with the availability of cell phone and gifs etc ... I get so many more e-greetings on Christmas Day now!

[@WaltTaylorau]

Love all of the hat changes! Merry Christmas History Guy

[@steverennie5787]

Loved seeing your Christmas Card episode... and very much enjoyed your festive attire. My favorite was the black wide-brimmed hat. Merry Christmas to you and family (and History Cat too) - and as well to anyone else reading this comment!

[@be6715]

Doing my best to keep the Christmas card tradition alive and I even wrote them all out with my Schaeffer fountain pen - fine nib. Not as many as I used to write, but I enjoy it each year. Oh, and I do write more than just my name. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

[@howardjohnson2138]

I always look forward to your pieces. Thank you

[@richardmassoth8237]

Four hats (or was it five, counting the thumbnail image) and a "fascinator" in the form of the decorated reindeer antlers... Quite a festive hat episode!

[@gabrielschultz89]

Your history lessons are so much fun!

[@ronfullerton3162]

My gosh, History Guy! I do not know which was the better part of this episode. Was ot the beauty and wonder of all the Christmas cards you displayed to us? Or was it the ever changing head gear that kept showing up on your noggin? Anyhow, the two things mixed together gave us the most wonderful Christmas episode ever! Merry Christmas to you and your staff, and thank you for a most wonderful year of history.

[@SMichaelDeHart]

Merry Christmas to you and your family, History Guy!!

[@josephgaviota]

As a kid, postage was 5¢ or 6¢. Even as late as the mid 1970s, it was still a dime. Postcards even less, like 3¢ ... which we sent home from camp. My dad used to say the postman came _twice_ each day when he was a kid, and was amazed we only got the mailman once per day then (and now).

[@drain_001]

The hats swaps! Perfection.

[@stelladonaconfredobutler9459]

THANK YOU FOR THE HATS Mr History Guy! made my day. its hard for orphans and when all the friends are scattered or passed

[@scotto9591]

I am screaming at your hat change.. you're the best. Just snarky enough to be fun but still, educating us without realizing it. Thank you

[@hossveerkamp3741]

Merry Christmas and a happy new year to the history guy and family thanks for the video and enjoy the hats

[@charlesford5935]

I loved the change of Christmas hats. Each hat was a surprise and couldn't wait to see what sort of hat would be worn next.

[@jimbeam3280]

Another excellent video from THG. A friend of mine collects Christmas cards along with post cards. Their aim with Christmas cards is predominately Late Victorian era examples. Some of them really are works of art. Some obviously hand made and going by some inscriptions made by the sender. Happy Christmas to all , from England

[@Silverstar98121]

Watching you change hats was interesting. Loved all the Christmas cards, too. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

[@schristy3637]

You should do a video on Coloring Books. They just do happen. I never thought about it till a friend in the 90's said that was their job. GREAT VID!!

[@BlueBaron3339]

You touch on three things here, Lance, key to what we'd all call civilization - paper, the post, and widely shared celebration. The loss of just paper alone following the collapse of Rome made the Dark Ages dark but no point in going there just now 😉 Best and kindest wishes to you and thank you for another year of outstanding and thoughtful programs born of heartfelt and diligent effort!

[@carolr.8582]

What a wonderful sense of humor you have! The variety of Christmas headgear made me laugh! Merry Christmas to you and yours... and a prosperous New Year!

[@gregraines1599]

My wife loves sending Christmas cards and spends hours writing, stuffing and sending them. Gotta love her.

[@tommyetaylor]

Totally enjoyed your hats. Merry Christmas

[@albertchehade9916]

A 12 and a half minute discourse on 'christmas cards'......amazing..... Thumbs Up

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

I hope everyone will party 🥳 like it's 1999! I'm wishing a joyous holiday to ONE AND ALL Y'ALL MAY YOUR NEW YEAR BE SHINY TOO!

[@syxepop]

From another fellow OCHENTOSO (as in '80s) MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU AND YOURS! 🎄🤪

[@michaelwarren2391]

Thank you for another interesting and informative presentation. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family.

[@quillmaurer6563]

I'm in the midst of writing a bunch of holiday (don't mention Christmas at all given the diversity of things people celebrate) cards, running a bit late to be still doing so on Christmas Eve. It's not a common thing for people my age (I'm 27) but a few of my friends do it. I did it first last year, in the depths of isolation from the pandemic, and I found it to be really nice to remember how many friends I actually have. I've thus decided to do it every year. Not using the commercial cards though, using a printed letter with pictures of me and my pets, and a personal letter to each person written on my old typewriter.

[@kennyhagan5781]

A joyful holiday to you and Mrs History Guy. The things that I have learned from you have made me think, which is always a good thing. I noticed the fez of a member of the Al Kadiz chapter of the Shriners in the background. A video about the Shriners and the good work that they do would not be a bad idea. MERRY CHRISTMAS 🎄⛄🎄⛄🎄⛄🎄

[@greggbaker7120]

I know You Love Hats. Just saw a Tricorne,in this video. A good subject, for YOU to cover. Thank You. For Enriching my Life.

[@jdinhuntsvilleal4514]

Love the hats, especially the last one. I literally LOLed.

[@XHollisWood]

Love your Content THG ❤️ Thank you for always sharing fascinating and wonderful information.

[@susannebeer-eyk7054]

A blessed Christmas to you and those you love. Thanks for the history!

[@jpmojo]

Marry Christmas and Happy New Year THG … Truly enjoyed today’s topic and fun hats !

[@OldMan_PJ]

I've read it was Annie Oakley that sent the first personalized Christmas card while touring in England.

[@eivind-falk]

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and yours, History Guy! And to all of my fellow history buffs as well!

[@skyden24195]

As a fan of hats and unique headwear, I gotta say, "Hey, nice hat." Happy Christmas to "The History Guy Family."

[@alanwright3172]

Merry Xmas to you and yours.🎅🏽

[@djmusic130fdy]

Love the hats! A belated Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family. Looking forward to more great videos!!

[@mrdddeeezzzweldor5039]

Your choice of hats certainly projects a feeling of liveliness and joy - much needed in these times of continued negative affects in our world. Anyway, Merry Christmas to you, History Guy family!

[@Lady_Chalk]

I love looking at all the bizarre Victorian cards for different holidays.

[@FotosbyFrankie]

Love your Christmas hats! A very merry Christmas and a happy new year to all of you!!

[@kevinconrad6156]

Not many adults could look so dignified in holiday antlers.

[@chasbodaniels1744]

This channel is a gift that keeps on giving. Thank you HG, and here’s to a healthy New Year!

[@MrWhatsHisFace87]

Loved the festive hat dance! Christmas blessings to you and the whole THG crew!

[@mbvoelker8448]

I'm sure our great-great grandchildren will wonder what relevance our cards' images have to the holidays too. :D

[@hoosierplowboy5299]

Thank you for another enlightening presentation, HG! MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR to you and yours...🎄

[@dirtcop11]

I really enjoyed this post because I lived in the Kansas City Metro for over ten years. Hallmark is a major employer in Kansas City and the metropolitan area. Crown Center was developed by the Hallmark company. I enjoyed the trip through history of how the Christmas Card evolved over time and became an important part of the Christmas season. I also enjoyed the bit of whimsy with your Christmas headgear. An explanation of the hats could be the subject of another episode. My 'hat' is off to you for your inventiveness.

[@marinaknife4595]

Happy Christmas History Guy - and thank you so much for all the interesting - classy & informative videos throughout the year!

[@user-vm5ud4xw6n]

Love the candy cane vest and the selection of Christmas hats. In particular the tree hat! That is seriously awesome. Thank you for this great video, really enjoyed it. I love sending cards and not just at Christmas. There’s just something about writing out a greeting by hand that no eCard or anything else can take the place of!

[@tamipalin8171]

Very fascinating!! Merry Christmas to you, THG, and Mrs. THG!!!

[@robertholmberg6485]

You are indeed a man of many hats! (And festive clothing!)

[@edwardparkhurst9804]

Great theme for the holidays. Outstanding job sir. Thanks for sharing.

[@oliveoil2x]

What a great historical snapshot - Christmas cards though the decades are fascinating! Merry Christmas & happy new year to the History Guy, his family, & team.

[@coreywilson6693]

I was born less than a block the Hallmark Cards headquarters in Kansas City and still live nearby today. Anything described as a "greeting card" prior to 1915 is practically considered heresy around here...

[@tenhirankei]

After seeing this I hope he'll have something for New Years as well!

[@DavidSmith-fw6uj]

Love from DeKalb Mississippi USA 🇺🇸 Happy Holidays

[@jamesgoetzke9509]

When I was a kid in the 1960's we sent and received hundreds of Christmas cards. Sadly no more...much in part due to high postal rates. The good old days are gone.

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

:57 Rudolph the 2nd. Another connection to Xmas

[@daveroche6522]

Nice one HG - yet another very informative and interesting presentation [I'm Irish and must admit - I've never heard of the 'Wren Day' [as in St. Stephens' Day] until now - it's great to learn something new every day, methinks. A very Happy New Year to you and yours (and indeed, everyone). Thank you Sir and please keep 'em coming....

[@maryrothfuchs9404]

Ty for this episode and I love all the different "hats" as well as cards shown. Merry Christmas to you and the Mrs!

[@bobrech3661]

Nice episode HG. Merry Christmas! Love those hats, especially the Christmas tree.

[@garylefevers]

Merry Christmas to those who celebrate. Happy Holidays to everyone else. Stay safe.

[@Mark723]

Love the historical context of a what is thought of today as a commonplace activity. A very Merry Christmas to you and yours!

[@lindastansbury2067]

Sending and receiving handwritten letters and cards was an almost daily occurrence when I was growing up. I've been saddened that those are no longer part of modern life, along with using proper grammar and punctuation, good penmanship, cursive writing and correct spelling. I was glad to hear that sending and receiving Christmas cards still maintains a somewhat healthy existence. Thank you for these videos. They are very much needed in today's world.