The tradition of sending Christmas cards is thought to have originated in the mid-1800's, when a few people began designing handmade cards to be sent to friends and family. But a man named John Calcott Horsely is often credited as being the first Christmas card creator.

Horsely printed his Christmas card in 1843 for Sir Henry Cole, the friend who had given him the idea. The card depicted a typical English family enjoying the holiday, as well as scenes of people performing acts of charity, an important part of the Victorian Christmas spirit. The card was inscribed, "Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year to You."

A thousand copies of the card were printed, selling for one shilling a piece. This is reportedly the first Christmas card to be produced and sold to the public.