Early 20th century Europe was defined by war and financial ruin but, every year, December 25 still brought festive relief.
Photos show how Londoners celebrated Christmas as the UK moved out of the Victorian age and towards the modern era following the turn of the century.
One image taken during World War One shows children carrying holly and mistletoe down the streets as they look forward to receiving gifts on Christmas.
A military theme follows throughout but traditions like trees, presents, toys, Father Christmas and pudding are still to be seen.
In another photo, a postman carries a dead bird down the road to deliver for a meal in Chelsea.
The images show families still crowded around the dinner table for cakes and tea as the winter weather closed in outside, although some the traditions, such as masked carol singers raising money with their songs and faces obscured, seem to have disappeared.
Geese were the main dish of the day at the time, rather than a turkey, with the waterfowl much more numerous than the American import.
But the piney freshness of Christmas trees could still be found beside the fireplace.
As well as the hardships of war and market crashes, between 1900 and 1930, the magic of Christmas can still be seen with children chasing Father Christmas or asking for the present of their dreams.
