HISTORY OF CHRISTMAS SEALS!!

Seal 2010

Seal 1931

Seal 1981

It all began in 1907.

    In the early 20th century, tuberculosis was the leading cause of death in the U.S. Physicians were experiencing the first signs of success treating tuberculosis in special hospitals called sanatoriums, and one of those facilities had fallen on tough times. The tiny Delaware sanatorium would have to close its doors if $300 dollars could not be raised to save it. One of its doctors explained the plight to his cousin, a Red Cross volunteer named Emily Bissell. Bissell was a veteran fundraiser, and she soon came up with a plan based on one that had worked in Denmark: She would design and print special holiday seals and sell them at the post office for a penny each.

Seal 1907

Emily Bissell

Expanding Mission

    The tradition continued and grew year after year through World War I, The Great Depression and Word War II. As the American Lung Association's mission expanded to include research-into other respiratory diseases, such as lung cancer, more people began to send Christmas Seals. And as the American Lung Association stepped up to protect children and families from pollution and cigarette smoke in the 1960's, 70's, and 80's, America continued its support each year by supporting the Christmas Seals tradition.

Seal 1926

Seal1912

Seal 1953

Seal 1979

Seal 1961



A Bigger Battle.

    Today, the American Lung Association fights a bigger battle than ever before. From important research on lung cancer and asthma to the fights against the dangerous poisons in air pollution and secondhand smoke, the American Lung Association's crucial mission is still largely supported by Christmas Seals.

Seal 1949

Seal 1918

Seal 1972

Seal 2004

Each year, millions observe the tradition of sealing holiday cards and packages with that year's special seal. And each year, your Christmas Seals donation supports the important fight against lung disease being waged every day by the American Lung Association.

If you are interested in purchasing some Christmas seals or just want a look at all of the other Christmas seals, you can go to Christmas seals.org. They are not very expensive either, for a sheet or 56 they are $10 dollars.