Veronica Olszowska (WL 1984-86) is writing to the OKS and King's Association community to share her petition to save the Christmas Card. Find out how you can help below. 

My sister Charlotte and I are both OKS, and I was also on the OKS Committee. My three children, Lara, (WL), Zofia (WL) and Max (MO) are also OKS.

The aim of our petition is to persuade the Royal Mail toact: we are asking Royal Mail to introduce a special 50p Christmas and Seasonal Greetings stamp, available for one month each year, in the run up to the festive season. It may sound like a small idea - but it could make a very big difference as the sending of Christmas cards, a time-honoured and cherished tradition, is under threat. The rising cost of postage has led to fewer and fewer Christmas cards being sent each year across the UK.

For older people, those living alone, or families separated by distance, a Christmas card arriving through the letterbox can bring real comfort and joy. For businesses, it’s a warm and personal way to thank valued customers. And for the 300+ UK charities that raise funds through Christmas card sales, it could help support vital causes and raise awareness during the festive season. Museums, galleries, and community organisations who sell their own cards would benefit too.

So, why are we so passionate about this?  

Our great-great-great-grandfather was Sir Henry Cole - not only the Founder and first Director of the V&A, but the man who created the world’s first commercial Christmas card. He also helped reform the British postal system in the 1840s, supporting the introduction of the famous Uniform Penny Post and the Penny Black stamp, making sending letters affordable for ordinary people. That simple change transformed communication, connected families, supported businesses, and encouraged literacy. We believe a special Christmas stamp could do something similar today: reconnect people, support charities, and help revive a much-loved tradition at a time when many households are feeling the squeeze.

Our petition on Change.org has been rated 10/10 by them, and to date we have 28,000 signatures. Change.org has been in touch with us to make a short video to increase awareness, as they feel our petition merits this.

We would like to encourage members of the OKS and King's Association community to support us by signing the petition and writing a message of support - every single signature helps.

Sign the petition and find out more here.