In England, the skating became very popular in the early 18th century, first as a sport for the aristocracy, but soon becoming mainstream among all class levels, as skates were inexpensive and easy to make.

By the middle of the 19th century, it was firmly ensconced as a staple of winter England, with Queen Victoria and Prince Albert using skating trips as several of their early dates.

In country areas, where there were many more ponds to freeze over, and the water wasn't as deep, the pastime continued to grow in popularity and people waited anxiously for the first freeze of the season.

It became a festive experience for young and old alike, with ladies dressed in their finest skating fashion and food sellers offering roasted chestnuts and jellied eels.

For those of you starting to think about stocking stuffers, we have also done this one in a mini puzzle called A Day On the Ice. The mini also has an irregular edge.

The perfect gift for wooden Christmas jigsaw puzzlers and Christmas enthusiasts, this wooden Christmas jigsaw puzzle can be done time and again. Our wooden Christmas jigsaw puzzle artists have included many holiday-themed, shaped whimsy wooden Christmas jigsaw puzzle pieces that match the subject of the painting, and we have integrated them in ways that will delight and surprise you as you put the wooden Christmas jigsaw puzzle together.