"We've all heard the Germans were behind the popularity of the Christmas tree - but the tradition in the UK at least, stems from London. Queen Victoria (born to a German mother) and Prince Albert (likewise, and also father) became the Christmas tree's champions - but it was Victoria's grandmother, Queen Charlotte (also German) who was believed to be the first to stick a decorated yew branch in a tub and take it indoors."
"Sir Henry Cole of London came up with the first Christmas card in 1843 by commissioning his friend, the artist John Calcott Horsley, to design a holiday card that would replace his seasonal task of writing many letters. Horsley depicted a Victorian family - all quaffing what seems to be red wine - flanked by images of poor people being given gifts of food and clothes, all framed with twisted branches of wood and ivy."
"A Merry Christmas And A Happy New Year To You was added to the front, and there were spaces for the names of the sender and recipient. Published by Joseph Cundall from his premises at 12 Old Bond Street, a run of 1,000 was printed by Jobbins of Warwick Court in Holborn. The idea of the card proved popular, but it was not immediately reprinted - partly due to criticism by the Temperance League which disapproved of the family's dinnertime drink."
London originated several enduring Christmas customs. Queen Charlotte is believed to have first brought a decorated yew branch indoors, later popularized by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert as the Christmas tree. Sir Henry Cole commissioned John Calcott Horsley in 1843 to design the first commercial Christmas card, showing a Victorian family with charitable scenes, printed by Joseph Cundall and Jobbins. The card faced temperance criticism and cost a shilling, limiting initial reprints. Approximately 15 original cards survive and are highly valuable at auction. Additional Christmas elements such as crackers and illumination also trace their origins to London.
Read at www.bbc.com
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