Christmas Postcard, circa 1910, "A Merry Christmas and a Bright New Year"

Mailing colorful, commercially designed greeting cards was a 20th-century American tradition. During the holidays, friends and neighbors commonly exchanged cards wishing the recipient a merry Christmas or happy New Year. Some of these Christmas cards featured illustrations that had little to do with the holiday. Designers decorated cards with flowers, butterflies, birds, or other animals--even horses--coupled with a holiday greeting and a traditional sprig of greenery.