It was a simple gesture that started it all - the first Christmas card. In 1843, a young man named Sir Henry Cole commissioned artist John Horsley to create a special greeting for friends and family. The result was a unique piece of art featuring a Victorian family celebrating the holiday season. The card was so well-received that it launched a tradition that has continued to this day. Nowadays, Christmas cards are a staple of the season, and they come in all shapes and sizes, but the spirit of the first one still shines through.