According to Danish history, the idea for charitable Christmas seals came to a postal clerk as he sorted letters and cards on the eve of the holiday in 1903.
 
Holboll’s idea captured the imagination of Denmark’s king, Christian IX. The savvy monarch suggested that the first issue of the fundraising seals include the Danish queen’s picture as a sign that both he and his wife fully supported the idea. The royals were extremely popular and thanks in large part to their endorsement, Danes bought four million of the world’s first Christmas seals when they were issued a year later. That’s a lot of krone! (Danish currency)

The first U.S. Christmas seals were the work of Emily Bissell. She hoped to emulate the success she’d read about and bring support to a small TB facility in Delaware. Bissell found a powerful ally in Philadelphia newspaper man Leigh Mitchell Hodges who helped her promote the campaign. The seals were issued in 1907, featuring a classic wreath of holly in bright red. Public support was instantaneous and overwhelming. $3,000.00 was earned that first year.