Following the introduction of the first national postcard in Austria in 1869, the first illustrated greetings cards appeared in Germany in 1871. Picture postcards experienced a breakthrough thanks to the World Exhibition in Paris in 1889. Their heyday lasted from 1895 until 1918. During this period there was a rapid increase in the circulation of Christmas cards.

The most frequent theme for these amazing cards was the giving of gifts combined with Christmas greetings. It was also popular to portray children, angels and the Christ Child, either decorating the Christmas tree or giving gifts.

The imaginatively created and hand-coloured cards represent people’s wishes for a peaceful and ideal world.