Christmas Card Day
Christmas Card Day is celebrated on December 9th each year. The tradition began in 1843 when Sir Henry Cole in England commissioned the first commercial Christmas card. The design, created by John Callcott Horsley, featured a festive family scene and the message “A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to You.” By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, sending Christmas cards had become a widespread tradition in both Europe and the United States.
Weary Willie Day
Weary Willie Day is observed on December 9th each year. It celebrates the famous clown character Weary Willie, created by Emmett Kelly, who became an iconic figure in American circus history. Emmett Kelly introduced Weary Willie in the 1930s as a hobo clown—a departure from the traditional happy clown. His character reflected the struggles of the Great Depression, portraying a down-on-his-luck but lovable figure. It marks Emmett Kelly’s birthday (born in 1898), honoring his contribution to circus entertainment and clown artistry. The day reminds us of resilience and finding humor even in hard times. It’s also a nod to the art of clowning and its cultural impact.
Here’s a look at some notable events, birthdays, and deaths that occurred on December 9th throughout history:
Historical Events
536: Byzantine General Belisarius Enters Rome
The Eastern Roman Empire, led by General Belisarius, captured Rome during the Gothic War.
1793: New York City’s First Daily Newspaper Launched
The American Minerva, founded by Noah Webster (of dictionary fame), began publication.
1851: First YMCA in North America Founded
The first North American branch of the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) opened in Montreal, Canada.
1905: Separation of Church and State in France
The French government enacted a law establishing the separation of church and state, marking a significant moment in French secularism.
1965: A Charlie Brown Christmas Premieres
The beloved animated holiday special debuted on CBS, becoming a cultural staple.
1990: Lech Wałęsa Elected President of Poland
Wałęsa, leader of the anti-communist Solidarity movement, became Poland’s first freely elected president since the country’s communist era.
Famous Birthdays
1608: John Milton
English poet and intellectual, best known for his epic poem Paradise Lost.
1742: Carl Wilhelm Scheele
Swedish chemist who discovered several chemical elements, including oxygen (independently of Joseph Priestley).
1886: Clarence Birdseye
American inventor and entrepreneur, considered the founder of the frozen food industry.
1906: Grace Hopper
Pioneering American computer scientist and U.S. Navy rear admiral, known as the “mother of COBOL” for her work in computer programming languages.
1916: Kirk Douglas
Legendary American actor, producer, and philanthropist, known for films like Spartacus and Paths of Glory.
Notable Deaths
1641: Anthony Van Dyck
Flemish Baroque painter, famed for his portraits of European royalty and aristocracy.
1937: Nils Gustaf Dalén
Swedish physicist and inventor, Nobel laureate in physics, known for his work on lighthouse technology.
1971: Ralph Bunche
American diplomat and Nobel Peace Prize laureate (1950) for his mediation efforts in the Middle East.
1994: Max Bill
Swiss architect, designer, and artist, a prominent figure in modern art and design.
2012: Jenni Rivera
Mexican-American singer and actress, tragically killed in a plane crash.
