Buzz
The concept of Christmas cards originated during the Victorian era, with the first batch sold in 1843. Sir Henry Cole, the founding director of London's Victoria and Albert Museum, commissioned these cards, which were hand-colored and distributed among his acquaintances. That same year, he proposed printing 1,000 cards for public sale. Although they didn't gain immediate popularity, they eventually evolved into the thriving industry we recognize today.
Long before the familiar depictions of Santa Claus, Nativity scenes, or snowy landscapes became standard, Christmas cards took a wildly unconventional path. The Victorians and Edwardians clearly had a more daring and imaginative approach than we do today.
10. A Frog Dancing With A Beetle
Christmas is a season meant for unity, and it seems this sentiment extends even to the realms of amphibians and insects.
In this peculiar scene, a frog is depicted joyfully dancing on a beach alongside a stag beetle. The meaning behind this imagery remains a mystery, lost to history. It might be comparable to today's trend of featuring small dogs in amusing hats on cards. Perhaps frogs are poised for a whimsical resurgence in popularity?
9. A Frog Committing Theft
Naturally, not every frog is destined to be a cheerful dance partner. Some turn out to be outright lawbreakers.
This Christmas card depicts the grim aftermath of a heist. One frog lies lifeless, pierced by a sword, while a dashingly dressed thief flees with a stolen bag. Had the deceased frog not boldly labeled the bag with its substantial value, it might not have been such an easy mark. The true intent behind this card remains unclear, as does whether it was ever displayed in homes where children could see it.
8. A Deceased Robin
The Little Robin Red-Breast is a classic symbol in the Christmas card industry. Its image, perched on a rustic gate with its bright red chest contrasting against the snowy backdrop, instantly evokes the holiday spirit. However, modern card designers might find it unusual to depict the robin lying lifeless, clearly in a state of rigor mortis.
This card encourages us to celebrate a merry Christmas, but it also invites us to reflect on the inevitability of our own mortality. What could be more thought-provoking during the festive season?
7. A Festive Krampus Christmas
In English-speaking cultures, Father Christmas meticulously tracks who has been naughty or nice, sidestepping the complexities of moral ambiguity. His straightforward approach results in a clear list of who deserves gifts on the big day. But what happens to those who misbehave? In Germany, this role is filled by a figure known as Krampus.
A shaggy, demonic entity, Krampus actively punishes the misbehaved. This card, featuring his image alongside the ominous phrase 'Greetings from the Krampus,' is part of a broader genre. These cards were designed to be both humorous and terrifying, especially to children.
6. Native Oysters
The holiday season can be a challenging period, especially when we remember those who are no longer with us. This card serves as a poignant reminder of friends who are absent—specifically, native oysters.
The meaning behind both the image and the message remains unclear. Even the National Library of Ireland is uncertain about its significance. It might be connected to Lewis Carroll’s poem “The Carpenter and the Walrus,” which depicts oysters meeting their demise. Quite the festive thought.
5. Cheerful Root Vegetables
A comforting winter meal often features root vegetables, which bring warmth and satisfaction—qualities many associate with Christmas dinner. This card might be aiming to capture that essence.
This card features a root vegetable delivering a Christmas greeting. To add an extra touch of festivity, the vegetable is adorned with a monocle and confidently carries a cane. If you’re going to send a vegetable-themed card, why not make it an elegant one?
4. A Warm Bear Hug
It seems the creators of this card were aiming to evoke a sense of warmth and comfort. While a bowl of vegetable soup might give you the feeling of a big hug, it can’t compare to the real thing. This card delivers the ultimate bear hug—courtesy of an actual bear.
The fierce polar bear is offering a 'Hearty Welcome' to someone in pointed boots, though the embrace appears to be squeezing the life out of them. Like many cards on this list, the message here is unclear. Perhaps the designers intended to teach viewers how to maintain composure, as the man being smothered responds with a nonchalant shrug.
3. Rat Riding a Lobster
During Christmas, we all indulge in lavish meals. A table overflowing with food is a hallmark of a festive celebration. If your budget allows, you might even treat yourself to lobster as a starter. But how will you acquire your lobster? Ordering it is an option, but where’s the excitement in that? Why not have it delivered by a rat riding a lobster? And since French cuisine is renowned as the finest, it’s no surprise this rat is sharing its Christmas wishes in French.
“Peace, Joy, Health, Happiness!” to all.
2. Melancholic Birds
We’ve already encountered the Christmas robin on this list, albeit in a post-mortem state. Here, he appears more lively, though still in a rather somber pose. His iconic red breast is fashioned into a waistcoat, and he’s portrayed as a benevolent bird.
Kindness is only meaningful when directed toward those less fortunate. In this card, that role is filled by two ragged birds—one on crutches and the other looking utterly dejected. The card reflects the Victorian ideal of the charitable gentleman, yet it’s not exactly the kind of imagery we’d want displayed on our walls.
1. The Proof Is In The Pudding
As the old adage states, “The proof of the pudding is in the eating.” This card serves as a reminder to never take the word of a talking pudding that jumps out of a pan and yells at you—especially if you have the head of a robin. It’s no surprise the bird-woman appears utterly stunned.
Nowadays, most people heat their Christmas pudding in a microwave, but a Victorian housewife would have spent hours boiling hers, hoping it was thoroughly cooked. Perhaps the fumes from the steaming pudding could have inspired such a bizarre image in the mind of a weary homemaker.
