Holiday Coloring Pages

Sending and receiving holiday cards is a tradition among many American families. But where did the tradition start and why are the cards so often sent by the female members of the family? According to many, the first holiday cards were created in the 1840s and the tradition quickly grew from there. As the country expanded west, many families were separated. Sending holiday cards became a way to keep in touch with family members and this task often fell to women.

Below are three holiday cards that we have turned into coloring pages. All three cards come from the turn of the century and are signed by women. The original holiday cards can be viewed online at the New York Public Library Digital Collections.

Click here for printable version. 

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