Illuminated cards from the series
"Father Christmas and His Little Friends"
1870's



Top Card:

"An hour before dinner old Xmas employs 

snowballing and romping outside with the boys"

Father Christmas & His Little Friends No 3

Marcus Ward & Co.


Size: 4" x 2 1/2"
This card is pictured on the front cover of
George Buday's book "The History of Christmas Cards"






Middle card:

"Old Christmas heads the funny game with many a frolic rare

He makes the young to laugh with joy the old forget their care"

Father Christmas & His Little Friends No 5

Marcus Ward & Co.

Size: 4" x 2 1/2"





Bottom card:

"At twelve O'clock the poor old boy in sadness goes away. 

Altho the little folk he love entreat of him to stay"

Father Christmas & His Little Friends No 6"

Marcus Ward & Co.


Size: 4" x 2 1/2"

This card is pictured on the back cover of
George Buday's book "The History of Christmas Cards"

The back is signed by sender and:
"Christmas 1881"

Bottom has:
MARCUS WARD & Co.

Size: 3.5" x 6"