The Blairs have gone for a family portrait, there's a classic image of Westminster and several scenes of rural idyll.

They are the Christmas cards sent out by our politicians - from snow scenes to modern art.

	:	In pictures
Christmas cards from the Commons

Most MPs just get to choose from the official House of Commons Christmas card.

But Cabinet ministers and prominent MPs tend to go for something more striking.

Here we look at a few of this year's cards.

Our gallery includes Mr Blair's family shot around the fireplace at Downing Street, and the Commons card chosen by Charles Kennedy.

Mr Blair sent out 1,260 of his cards at a cost of £267.

He revealed the cost - and the £2,500 spent on decorations for Downing Street - in a Commons written answer to Tory MP Jonathan Djanogly.