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"A Christmas full of fun"
Call number: Mss1 L5144 a 4619–4653

In the 1820s moveable books, such as "peep shows" and pop-ups, were quite fashionable. By the late nineteenth century, the expanded market included pop-up greeting cards. View enlarged image

"Compliments of the Season"
Call number: Mss1 L5144 a 4619–4653

A "peep show" Christmas card sent to Miss Mary Custis Lee from Major Archdale, presumably of the Royal Welch Fusiliers. View enlarged image

"Old Nick's here with greetings to you
While we're raising Nick with the Huns"
Call number: Mss1 W2296 b 6,645–6,647

This card was printed for the American Expeditionary Force Y.M.C.A. in Paris during World War I. View enlarged image

"Hooverized Christmas Card"
Call number: Mss1 W2296 b 6,645–6,647

The most popular Christmas card of the 1918 season, the "Hooverized Christmas Card" was published by the Campbell Art Company. The card was made of thin, gray box board, and tied with a piece of hemp string rather than a ribbon. The message inside reads:

This card references Herbert Hoover's appointment as head of the American Food Administration. In 1917, when the United States entered World War I, Hoover encouraged Americans to reduce consumption, thereby avoiding rationing at home. This act was dubbed "Hooverizing." View enlarged image

"A Merry Christmas ~~ and all good wishes ~~ for the New Year"
Call number: Mss1 W2296 b 6,645–6,647

During the height of the Colonial Revival (1920s–1930s) the most common imagery on Christmas cards was scenes of Christmas in colonial America. This card is just one of many in our collections evoking that bygone era. View enlarged image

"Nothing left but this bright tale, Merry Christmas!"
Call number: Mss1 W2296 b 6,645–6,647

Postmarked 1932, this card poignantly depicts the financial difficulties many experienced during the Great Depression. A synthetic red feather is attached as the chicken's tail feather. View enlarged image