Before the holiday card rush begins, Electronic Greetings Day on November 29 reminds us that a thoughtful digital message can brighten someone's day just as much as a paper card. E-cards, emails, video messages and voice notes make it easy to stay in touch with people near and far. It's a perfect day to reach out to an old friend, thank a colleague, or send a greeting to someone who might be feeling alone as the holiday season begins.
History of Electronic Greetings Day
Electronic greetings depend on electronic messaging, which has a surprisingly long history. In 1971, computer engineer Ray Tomlinson sent what is widely considered the first network email between two computers, and he chose the '@' symbol to separate user names from machine names.
As personal computers and the internet spread in the 1990s, websites began offering free electronic greeting cards, often with animations and music. E-cards became especially popular around holidays, when people wanted to reach many friends quickly and cheaply.
In the 2000s and 2010s, social media, messaging apps and smartphones transformed digital greetings again. Today, people send everything from GIFs and video messages to digital gift cards and personalised e-cards. Electronic Greetings Day's origin isn't documented, but it captures how much of our everyday connection now happens online.
Why Electronic Greetings Day Matters
Digital greetings are fast, free or low-cost, and reach people instantly, wherever they live. They're also more environmentally friendly than paper cards that are often thrown away.
Most importantly, a quick message can make someone feel remembered. It's an easy way to keep relationships alive when life is busy.
How to Celebrate Electronic Greetings Day
- Send an e-card: choose a design and write a personal message, not just a signature.
- Record a video greeting: a short video can feel more personal than text.
- Reconnect: message someone you haven't spoken to in a long time.
- Thank someone: email a coworker, teacher or service provider to say thanks.
- Start your holiday list: decide who gets digital greetings this year.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, send short, specific thank-you messages to colleagues who helped you this year, or create a shared digital card for a team member who is leaving or celebrating a milestone. Managers can use the day to recognize contributors publicly in a team channel. In classrooms, students can design digital greeting cards using simple tools and learn about online etiquette and safety, such as not sharing personal information. Older students can research the history of email and the internet. At home, help grandparents or older relatives set up video calling, or record a family video message for loved ones who live far away. It's also a good day to update your holiday card contact list.
Fun Facts About Electronic Greetings Day
- Ray Tomlinson sent the first network email in 1971.
- E-card websites became popular in the 1990s.
- Tomlinson chose the '@' symbol for email addresses.
Electronic Greetings Day FAQs
When is Electronic Greetings Day?
Electronic Greetings Day is November 29.
What's a good e-card message?
Mention a specific memory or reason you're thinking of the person, and keep it warm and personal.
Are e-cards better for the environment?
They avoid paper, printing and shipping, though digital services still use energy.
When was the first email sent?
Ray Tomlinson sent the first network email in 1971.