Where did the custom of sending Christmas cards and hanging mistletoe originate?

Answer 1

The tradition of writing Christmas cards goes back to the beginning of the 1900's, to keep in touch with family that were far apart.

Answer 2

I just watched a special on this via the History channel!
Mistle toe is stolen from pagan/norse/celtic practices (as most christian holidays are) where it was used as an antidote to poison and was thought to promote fertility - hence the kissing underneath it. It was readopted in Victorian England along with the use of the Christmas tree which was a German tradition introduced by Prince Albert - the Queen's husband.

Christmas cards: A relatively recent phenomenon, the sending of commercially printed Christmas cards originated in London in 1843. Previously, people had exchanged handwritten holiday greetings. First in person. Then via post. The first Christmas card’s inscription read: "merry Christmas and a happy New Year to you." "Merry" was then a spiritual word meaning "blessed," as in "merry old England." Of the original one thousand cards printed for Henry Cole, twelve exist today in private collections.

Answer 3

Like practically everything related to this now Christian Holiday, it all has original Pagan ancient roots. Paganism, the major religion of most of our ancestors, was coopted by the Christians so long ago and the results so hidden people don't even realize it.

Answer 4

ok yet I actually have a request: with the flexibility to attach bones from Thanksgiving, with the intention to create a bow+arrow and then objective them at followers of Justine Beaver, Kesha, Jotos Brothers etc .. !!

Answer 5

there are so many sites
http://www.theholidayspot.com/christmas/history/mistletoe.htm
http://momo.essortment.com/mistletoehistor_rljx.htm
http://www.christmaslore.com/the_history_of_mistletoe
and many others.