Saturday, 17 December 2016

More Vintage Christmas Greetings Sent With Love

With Christmas just around the corner I thought I would share a few more vintage Christmas cards with you. I have a particular liking for anything by Rene Cloke (left) or brightly-coloured examples like those that follow.

 Most of the cards I buy cost less than a pound (USD 1.25), but if you want to splash out you should look for hand-painted ones by famous artists, such as Kate Greenaway and Walter Crane.  


This hearty greeting comes to wish you everything that's good, and though I cannot shake your hand today, yet may we meet in kindest thought and wishes for each other. 


A Merry Christmas may you see both joy and fortune call,
a Happy Year, and may it be the happiest one of all.


I send my love and wish that you a jolly time may see,
with girls and boys and games and toys and all in harmony.



I hope these toys will bring you pleasure in many a different way,
and be a glad beginning to a Happy Christmas Day.


Wishing you a bright and cherry Christmas!

'Tis Christmas once again, and greetings I am sending,
May you and yours this Christmastide, a joyous time be spending.


It's Christmas! I'm so excited - and to send you a card I'm delighted, so I'll put on my coat and I'll put on my hat, and I'll run to the pillar box jolly and fat, and post the card, which tells you true what a Happy Christmas I'm wishing for you. 

I will be taking a short break now, but I would like to thank everyone who takes the time to visit and comment on my blog. I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and a very happy New Year. 

Christmas wishes and love from Barbara, Terry and all the family xxx 

* Previous vintage Christmas card posts here, here, here, here and here.

49 comments:

  1. HeHe! Stand by your beds......
    This is a great favourite of mine...
    Don't know all the words, so l had to cheat
    and look them up...! :).
    AND...Can l also say a BIG Happy Christmas to
    one and all...And to everyone who got in touch
    for my guest and previous post..Thankyou!
    And, especially to you Barbara, all the bestest,
    to you, Terry and all your family! God Bless!x

    'Twas the Night Before Christmas'

    By Clement Clarke Moore......

    'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
    Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
    The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
    In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;
    The children were nestled all snug in their beds;
    While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;
    And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,
    Had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap,
    When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
    I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.
    Away to the window I flew like a flash,
    Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
    The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow,
    Gave a lustre of midday to objects below,
    When what to my wondering eyes did appear,
    But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny rein-deer,
    With a little old driver so lively and quick,
    I knew in a moment he must be St. Nick.
    More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
    And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name:
    "Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now Prancer and Vixen!
    On, Comet! on, Cupid! on, Donder and Blixen!
    To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
    Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"
    As leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
    When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky;
    So up to the housetop the coursers they flew
    With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too--
    And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
    The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
    As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
    Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.
    He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
    And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;
    A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
    And he looked like a pedlar just opening his pack.
    His eyes--how they twinkled! his dimples, how merry!
    His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
    His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
    And the beard on his chin was as white as the snow;
    The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
    And the smoke, it encircled his head like a wreath;
    He had a broad face and a little round belly
    That shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly.
    He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
    And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;
    A wink of his eye and a twist of his head
    Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;
    He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
    And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,
    And laying his finger aside of his nose,
    And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;
    He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
    And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
    But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight--
    "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"

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    1. That’s my favourite too Willie, thank you so much for sharing the words. I used to read it to Steven when he was a little boy, happy memories indeed.

      Very best wishes to you and all your family and friends and thank you for being such a lovely friend to me during 2016. I look forward to chatting with you next year. xxx

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  2. These are just wonderful, Barbara, thank you for sharing them. I wish you and your family a really wonderful Christmas.

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  3. Thank you so much Alex. Happy Christmas to you and yours.

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  4. How wonderful. I particularly like the card with the cat standing on the moon.

    Best wishes to you all this Christmastime.

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    1. Hi Tracy, I like that one too and am wondering if it could be by Louis Wain, there is no signature, but it certainly looks like one of his cats.
      Have a wonderful Christmas and the best New Year. x

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  5. These are so beautiful and nice sentiments too! I especially love the first one because there is something about that giant ornament that really appeals to me. Thanks for sharing these.

    Enjoy your break, Barbara. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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    1. Hello Stephanie, thank you so much for the Christmas wishes, I wish the same for you and look forward to catching up with you in the New Year. Hugs Barbara

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  6. Barbara, they are all gorgeous! I really miss those vintage cards...and the ones you are sharing here bring back fond memories of my childhood. Thank you so much for sharing, and Merry Christmas to you, dear friend. Hugs. :)

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    1. Hello Linda, I agree with you and wish some enterprising card manufacture would resurrect them. The trouble is they might be considered too ‘old fashioned’ now and might not be popular. I just love them!
      I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a Very Happy New Year. Hugs back. x

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  7. Oh dear!!!
    These cards are so Lovely and adorable. They just stole my heart away !
    The way you shared your warm feelings and these wonderful cards it reveals the inner child of your's. Looking at them brings so many precious memories from my childhood the passion the excitement and enthusiasm for such special events
    Thank you so much for bringing pleasure to my heart dear.wishing you a wonderful joyful Christmas

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    1. Sharing with friends is always so much fun and knowing it brings pleasure is a bonus.
      Thank you for your kind Christmas wishes. I hope you, and all your family and friends have a lovely Christmas. Hugs Barbara x

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  8. I like the one with the cat on the moon and the dogs.
    We send out cards every year, but it seems we get fewer and fewer in return.
    Merry Christmas!

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    1. Hi Alex, suppose more people are sending e-cards now or perhaps the cost of postage is just too much. I hope you get a lovely surprise this year, and all your friends and family send cards.

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  9. Dearest Barbara, every single one of these is magical. The bright colors and simple yet clever lines that make up the outlines are PERFECTLY proportioned, have a big impact on creating a scene that one dreams of, of childhood and a faraway, fairytale place. Your selections are always wonderful, and I wish you, my friend, a wonderful season of love and JOY with everyone you love!

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    1. Thank you so much Anita, you always say just the right thing. Sending big hugs and Christmas wishes your way, have a wonderful time dear friend. xx

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  10. I love vintage Christmas cards. Today's seem a bit "samey" in contrast.

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    1. Hi Nikki-ann, I understand exactly what you mean although I must admit it had not occurred to me until you mentioned it.
      Thank you for calling in and for your comment.
      Happy holidays and best wishes for 2017. Barbara

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  11. Thanks once gin for these lovely cards. Have a fabulous Christmas and we will connect in the New Year!!

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    1. You are most welcome Darlene. Have a wonderful Christmas and a perfect New Year. x

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  12. I love vintage Christmas cards.
    These Christmas cards look very much like the ones I gave and received. I kept them in a box. I would have liked to find vintage cards like yours. (beautiful and very cheap).
    Merry Christmas Barbara :)

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    1. You are quite right – they are beautiful and very inexpensive – which means I can collect more.
      Have a lovely Christmas.

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  13. Another delightful post Barbara thank you. I particularly like the poem by Clement Clarke Moore. (Thanks Willie) First time I have read that.
    Now if I might make so bold here is my 'take' on Christmas. First written in 1999.
    Christmas is Coming.
    Christmas is coming with Mary by a manger sat
    Us is non-can-goists so us won't have none of that
    Christmas is coming with carollers all singing flat
    Us lives in a high-rise flat so us won't have none of that
    Christmas is coming with all the family for a chat
    Us is staying on our own so us won't have none of that
    Christmas is coming the goose is getting fat
    Us is having turkey so us won't have none of that
    Christmas is coming,fairy lights,baubles,pretty paper hat
    Us have busted paper chains so us won't have none of that
    Christmas is coming, Santa in red and round and fat
    Us don't have a chimney so us won't have none of that
    Christmas is coming with snow all white and flat
    Us is forecast rainstorms so us won't have none of that
    Christmas is coming with cake, pies and trifle all to make you fat
    Us is having bread and cheese so us won't have none of that
    Christmas is coming with Ivy, Holly, a kiss beneath the Mistletoe
    If Holly and / or Ivy are agreeable us might give that a go.......

    Happy Christmas dear cousin, it is always a pleasure to visit your blog. John

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    1. Hello cousin John, Your witty words always make me smile, and this was no exception. Love it! Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts on Christmas and for all your visits to my blog during 2016. I really appreciate it. Have a great Christmas and the very best New Year. Barbara xx

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  14. Lovely cards. They don't make cards like they used to do they? I would love to buy cards in a vintage style for a change.

    Julie xxxxxx

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    1. You are so right Julie. They really don’t make cards like they used to – but I wish they did.
      Merry Christmas, Barbara xxx

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  15. Gorgeous post as usual. I hope you have a happy Christmas.

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    1. Thanks Roger you too! I look forward to 'chatting' with you in 2017. Barbara

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  16. Thank you, Barbara - these really make me long to travel back in time. Wishing you and your family a Happy Christmas and a peaceful new year, xx

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    1. Hello Marilyn, me too – shall we go together?  Have a lovely Christmas and the best New Year. Barbara xx

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  17. Love the cat on the moon.
    Happy Holidays, Barbara.

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    1. Thanks so much Sandra and you too. Barbara xx

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  18. I LOVE your cards, Barbara! Happy Christmas- sending you a big hug!

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    1. Bless you Colleen, and a big hug back to you. Happy Christmas. xx

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  19. Oh, I love all of these, each card so beautiful yet different from the next. Have a magical Christmas, Barbara! xo

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    1. Thank you so much Marcia. Have a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. xx

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  20. Hi Barbara thank you for your comment on fb. I am back now and trying to get everything sorted out before Christmas. Seems like I have fallen behind suddenly 😄 Just one more present to buy, just one more goodies to make, just one more tidying up to do, just one more shopping to do and the list goes on😂 And one more day to catch up . I will get there.
    I love the postcards Barbara and you have such a lovely collection. Looking at them I have already got an inspiration for another doll! Thank you for sharing

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    1. That’s so lovely Shashi, if you ever need more detailed photos or anything just let me know, and I will gladly send them to you.
      I’m pleased to know you are home safe but what an awful time you must have had. It's no surprise you are a bit behind with your Christmas preparations. I’m sure you will get everything done in the end (I sometimes wonder how we do it – but we do).
      Have a wonderful Christmas and a Very Happy New Year. Barbara x

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  21. The style of this era was so charming. Thank you for posting more of the cards for us to enjoy.

    I hope you have a lovely Christmas and I so look forward to stopping in at your site in 2017. Always a joy.

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    1. It was my absolute pleasure, thank you so much for coming over and enjoying them with me.
      Wishing you a Very Happy Christmas and the best New Year.
      Hugs Barbara

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  22. Hi Barbara, That's no problem including me, thank you for asking and choosing me. Hope you have had a good Christmas. Sarah x

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    1. Thanks for getting back to me Sarah. I hope to have the post done by the second week in Jan. We had an excellent Christmas, thanks for asking, Barbara

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  23. Lovely postcards. I think I recognize some of the illustrators. Have a wonderful holiday and New Year!

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I really appreciate your comment. Thank you!
Barbara xx