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Goodall Christmas card hand dated 1874. Santa wearing eye glasses rides a goat in a snow fall. The caption reads "When capricorne doth bringe us colde Warm welcome to Winter". 3.25" x 4.75"

In Victorian days it was customary for middle and upper-class Americans to leave a 'visiting card' when making a formal visit to another's home as a reminder of the visit. In 1860 Charles Goodall & Son, a London printing firm that had been producing Christmas stationery since 1859 and specializing in playing cards, expanded its business by mass-producing visiting cards designed especially for visits at Christmas. These cards were generally small, about three by two inches, and decorated with simple designs. In 1862, just 19 years after the Cole-Horsley card, Charles Goodall & Son introduced the first broad selection of Christmas cards to the British public. These cards were ornate, usually in the shape of a basket of flowers. Ribbons were attaches that opened the flowers when pulled, revealing messages of health, happiness, and goodwill. Others had a cord attached so the owner could hang the card for display. Others were placed in ornate frames and displayed as a lovely decoration. Some had pleats, so to be free standing. Eventually Goodall and Sons began producing Christmas cards much like the kinds we send today. Other publishers followed suit and turned their talents to producing Christmas cards. Goodall & Son continued producing greeting cards to about 1885, finally merging with De La Rue in 1922.

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