The tradition of sending Christmas cards is intertwined with history, technology, and culture — but did you know that the very first computer-generated Christmas card holds surprising stories and fascinating twists? The computer’s first Christmas card, most famously represented in poet Edwin Morgan’s 1968 poem, is more than a quirky novelty. It stands as a symbol of an emerging relationship between humans and machines that continues to shape how we communicate and celebrate.
This article unveils little-known facts, intriguing historical insights, and the cultural significance surrounding the computer’s first Christmas card. Whether you are a poetry lover, technology enthusiast, or simply curious about the holiday spirit’s digital frontier, these revelations will deepen your appreciation for this unique milestone.
1. It Was Pioneered by a Poet, Not a Programmer
One of the most surprising facts is that the computer’s first Christmas card concept emerged from a literary artist, Scottish poet Edwin Morgan, not a computer scientist or engineer. In 1968, Morgan crafted a poem titled The Computer’s First Christmas Card,
using concrete poetry techniques to mimic a computer printout.
Morgan’s vision underscored a creative mind embracing technology’s possibilities before mainstream access. His poetic imagination helped usher computers into artistic and cultural realms,
showing technology could speak with humor and warmth.
2. The Poem Appeared Amidst the Cybernetic Serendipity Exhibition
Morgan’s poem was presented at the famous 1968 Cybernetic Serendipity exhibition in London, a key event showcasing early computer art and human-machine collaboration. The event symbolized a broader cultural fascination with computers not just as tools, but as creative partners.
Through this exhibition, the poem gained visibility and acclaim, positioning the computer’s first Christmas card as a pioneering work bridging computing and cultural expression.
3. The Computer’s “Voice” is Playfully Awkward by Design
Morgan’s poem intentionally features quirky repetitions and invented compound words like “jollymerry hollyberry jollyberry.” This stylistic choice mimics the clunky syntax and vocabulary a computer of the 1960s might generate when attempting human language.
Far from an error, these playful quirks symbolize the machine’s early attempts to participate in human communication — evoking both humor and empathy from readers.
4. It Inspired Future Computer-Generated Art and Poetry
Morgan’s work planted seeds for later developments in computer-generated literature, electronic poetry, and algorithmic art. Today, AI-generated art and text owe much to early pioneers like Morgan who questioned the boundaries of human creativity and machine capability.
His poem anticipated the contemporary blending of coded instructions with human-like narrative and emotional expression.
5. The First Actual Computer-Generated Christmas Card (as a Printout) Was Created on an IBM System
While Morgan’s poem was literary, actual computer-generated Christmas cards began to emerge around the late 1960s and early 1970s, created by programming machines like the IBM 1401 mainframe. These early printouts often featured simple text, blocky graphics, or ASCII art designed to simulate festive themes.
One notable example includes creating holiday greeting cards using punch card programming and line printers, a technical feat demonstrating the intersection of art and computing.
6. It Reflected Broader Cultural Shifts Around Technology
The computer’s first Christmas card illustrated how society in the late 20th century was grappling with technology’s role—not just in industry, but in everyday life and cultural customs. As computers entered public awareness, artistic works like Morgan’s poem helped humans contextualize and humanize technology.
This blending reassured society that machines could augment rather than replace human expression, a message still relevant today amid AI advancements.
7. It Influenced the Digital Holiday Greeting Cards We Love Today
From simple printouts and poems to today’s sophisticated e-cards, animated greetings, and personalized video messages,
the computer’s first Christmas card represents the conceptual beginning of digital holiday communication.
The technology-driven creativity Morgan first imagined paved
the way for the rich ecosystem of interactive, customizable, and eco-friendly greetings enjoyed worldwide.
8. The Poem Challenges the Concept of Language as Purely Human
Morgan’s poem is celebrated among scholars for decentering language from a strictly human domain. By giving a “voice” to a machine struggling to “speak,” it expands notions of language and meaning,
inviting readers to reconsider communication as a pluralistic process involving humans and machines alike.
This philosophical underpinning enriches the poem’s humor with a deeper inquiry into communication itself.
A High Authority Resource for More In-Depth Insights
For those interested in exploring the poem and its historical significance further, the Scottish Poetry Library provides official access to The Computer’s First Christmas Card and contextual notes:
The Computer’s First Christmas Card – Scottish Poetry Library
Conclusion: More Than Just a Holiday Novelty
The computer’s first Christmas card is a remarkable cultural artifact — part poetic experiment, part technological milestone. It opened paths for digital creativity, reshaped how traditions adapt,
and remains a charming reminder of human ingenuity blending with machine logic.
This holiday season, whether sending physical or digital greetings,
reflecting on this unique history enriches the joy of sharing messages that span human and technological worlds.
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