Christmas cards are a tradition that dates back to the Victorian era. The first Christmas cards were commissioned by Sir Henry Cole, an English businessman and patron of the arts, in 1843. The cards were designed by John Callcott Horsley, an artist and friend of Cole's, and featured a family raising a toast to the recipient's health. The cards were printed in a limited edition and sold for a shilling each.

The tradition of sending Christmas cards quickly caught on, and by the 1860s, the practice had become widespread in Britain. In the United States, the first Christmas card was produced in 1875 by Louis Prang, a German immigrant who is now known as the "father of the American Christmas card."

The custom of sending Christmas cards has continued to this day, and has evolved to include a wide variety of designs and themes. Today, people send cards not only to friends and family, but also to business associates and acquaintances. Despite the rise of electronic communication, the tradition of sending Christmas cards remains popular, with millions of cards sent each year.

Our selection of festive cards can be viewed here: Christmas Cards