Sentimental Sunday - Christmas Greetings from the Past

Christmas is almost upon us, and it is time to sit and take the time to send out our Christmas cards and family letter. A tradition that is slowly dying out and  being replaced by emailed and facebook Seasons Greetings messages. However, I wonder, do this e-greetings replace the thrill of the arrival of our Christmas mail, with the bundle of cards from distant relatives, friends that you haven't heard from since the last mailing of Christmas greetings and family and friends from over the seas?

I still get a buzz when cards arrive in the mail with little notes of greeting and best wishes, accompanied by snippets of my friend's year just passed.  The tradition of sending cards started in the United Kingdom in 1843 by Sir Henry Cole. The practice of sending cards increased through the 1870 and 1880's and by the turn of the century the sending of Christmas cards became very popular all over the world. 

Among the collection of lovely old postcards and photos that were passed on to my by husbands Great Aunty Tilly are some beautiful family Christmas cards. I am not sure how old these cards are, and would be interested if any readers can provide any information on dating Christmas cards.  

This lovely card was sent to Aunty Tilly probably in the early 1920's, the inside of the card is just as pretty as the front.

The next two cards were sent to Aunty Tilly's family, date unknown.

It is interesting to note the name of the printer is on the inside of the second of these two cards, C.W. Faulkner and Co, London. After a little digging I found out that C.W. Faulkner and Co began in London in 1897 and closed in 1956.  They were very famous for their beautiful postcards and Christmas cards.  They also made board games.

The last card from the collection is quite unusual!