Greetings from Season's Greetings
A selection of wording from antique Christmas postcards
Sure, ‘Merry Christmas’ is the classic. But what else was everyone wishing each other a hundred years or so ago? Here are some alternative greetings from my postcard collection. Write them in your Christmas cards or try saying them out loud to the next person you see.
Option 1, from Wilf in 1905: Make up a phrase
Front (in glitter): To Greet You
Message on the back:
My D.L.D.E
To wish you the Happiest of Xmases & a Glorious New Year.
with proudy pride inflicting reports.
Fondest Love from your Wilf
[The recipient’s first initial is E, so possibly the salutation letters stand for something like ‘My DarLing Dearest E’?! Any ideas? Answers on a postcard.
And ‘proudy’ is what my eye sees … extra levels of pride: proudy pride.]
Option 2, from 1926: Tell them ‘Hope you’re well’ and why
Front: Happy Christmas | May affection’s fadeless flowers | Bring you peace these Christmas hours
Message on the back:
Just to Wish you a Very Happy Xmas & prosperous New Year. We hope you are quite well. So that you can enjoy all the good things that Xmas usually brings. Love
Option 3, from Early Victorian times: Skip the Christmas; shine the torch on New Year
I’ll be writing again before Christmas, so in the meantime: May the new week dawn brightly for you; a Merry Monday to us all.
Pip x
