The following autumn after the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth, MA in December of 1620, they held a feast and gave thanks after gathering their first harvest, inviting the chief of the Wampanoags and his tribe to share in the celebration. This observance is commonly recognized as the first official Thanksgiving in America. The day has become a time to count our blessings and give thanks and is considered a family oriented holiday steeped in tradition, from the festive dinner with all the trimmings to watching the annual Thanksgiving parade and football games.

History reveals that people have always had the natural desire to communicate on a sentimental and emotional basis. The Egyptians conveyed their greetings and salutations by means of papyrus scrolls. In the Bible, the Apostle Paul’s phrase "Grace to you and Peace" is indicative of man’s concern for his friends and loved ones. In the Dark Ages, the exchange of cherished symbols such as gloves, garters and bows was another form of sentimental communication.

The modern custom of sending greeting cards can be traced back through the centuries to the Chinese who celebrated the advent of the New Year with messages of good will and good cheer. In more recent times, the Valentine is considered to be the original ancestor of today’s greeting cards. The first known published Christmas card appeared in London in 1843, although the Germans printed New Year’s greetings from woodcuts as early as the year 1400.

Today, over 7 billion greeting cards for all occasions are purchased annually in the United States which clearly indicates the important role that the greeting card plays in American life today.