On December 9th, 1907, a heartwarming tradition was born in the Wilmington, Delaware post office that would go on to touch countless lives across the world. It was on this historic day that the very first Christmas Seals were made available for purchase. These small, festive stickers, adorned with holiday themes, were created with a profound purpose—to combat tuberculosis, a deadly disease that plagued communities during that era.
The idea behind Christmas Seals was simple yet powerful. They were sold at a penny each, encouraging people to buy and affix them to their holiday mail. The funds generated from these sales were directed towards the fight against tuberculosis, then a major public health concern. This grassroots initiative, initiated by Emily Bissell, captured the spirit of giving during the holiday season and allowed ordinary individuals to contribute to a greater cause. Over a century later, the tradition continues, serving as a reminder that the holiday season is not just about exchanging gifts but also about spreading compassion and hope to those in need.
