Henry Cole, a lithographer from Boston, is credited with the invention of Christmas cards. In the 1880s, he produced more than five millions cards annually. His cards were produced using a new process called “chromolithography”, which allows for realistic detail as well as coloration. By the late 1800s, these cards had become the most popular gift for family and friends. There are so many options that you can choose from that you are sure to find the right one for your needs.
Christmas cards were traditionally purchased from family members or friends. They can be purchased for several pounds today. Some are rare, and can fetch thousands of pounds. Even the original, first-generation card is considered an incredibly special piece of history and worth the price. One of Sir Henry’s earliest cards was sold for more than PS22,000 each year. In fact, today, you can buy a first-generation Christmas card for a few thousand pounds.