Henry Cole, a Boston lithographer, is credited for inventing Christmas cards. In the 1880s, he produced more than five millions cards annually. His cards were made using a new process called chromolithography which allows for realistic coloration and detail. These cards were the most popular gift for friends and family in the late 1800s. There are many styles to choose from so you’re sure to find the one that suits your needs.
Christmas cards were traditionally purchased by friends and family. Today, they can fetch several pounds. Some are rare, and can fetch thousands of pounds. Even the first-generation card is considered a rare piece of history, and well worth the price. One of Sir Henry’s earliest cards was sold for more than PS22,000 each year. You can still buy a first-generation holiday card for as low a thousand pounds today.