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Now we usually send Christmas cards to other family members or our friends before Christmas. It is a good way to show our greetings. The number of Christmas cards is increasing every year. And this year the number will be over 750 million. However, when the first Christmas card appeared in London in 1843, it was not popular as it is right now. There were 1,000 Christmas cards printed, but only a handful of cards were sold on that Christmas. One reason why they became dead stock(滞销商品） was that one card cost one shilling（先令，英国1971年前的货币单位）. And it was too expensive for a card at that time. Moreover, there was no tradition to send cards on holidays in 1843.

Maybe the 1,000 Christmas cards were not popular at that time, but they are precious（宝贵的） in 2012. Three cards that were made 169 years ago are going to be auctioned (拍卖) in New York in recent days. And each one is expected to be worth as much as £10,000. One card showed a happy family. They were enjoying a happy family feast. Everyone seemed happy and joyful. The words “A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to You” were printed in the center of the card. This card was hand-colored.

Though I think this card is very pretty, it is too expensive for me. But I can still buy some colorful cards and send them to my friends. I can write some greeting words in my own handwriting, which, I believe, is a good way to show my love. Now these cards have various patterns, so I have many choices. This year I will choose an exquisite card for my younger sister who studies in Paris. She will not come back to enjoy Christmas with us, but I wish she would enjoy this festival as well.