Hallmark holiday cards through the years
1910s
Credit: Hallmark
Early Hallmark holiday cards were traditional in style and content, like this direct Santa-and-his-sleigh image.
1920s
Credit: Hallmark
The work of 1920s Hallmark colorists was critical, as color printing was not yet an affordable option, meaning Santa's red suit and green belt pictured here were colored by hand.
1930s
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Hallmark released this shushing Santa holiday card in the 1930s, a piece that illustrates there's no need to ask the man for goodies as he's apparently "got somepin' up" his sleeve.
1930s
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Santa's reindeer make a sharp left turn while in flight over rooftops, just angular enough to fit across the face of this Hallmark card from the 1930s.
1930s
Credit: Hallmark
This Hallmark card kept it simple with a jest and a grin from Kris Kringle.
1940s
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Artist Vivian Trillow Smith designed hundreds of cards for Hallmark, including this portrait of St. Nick, created in the 1940s.
1940s
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Kris Kringle passed on his usual sleigh, instead opting for a patriotic plane in this 1940s Hallmark holiday card.
1950s
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Norman Rockwell was only one of several well-known artists to create cards for Hallmark. This example, from the 1950s, gives Santa a mischievous edge and scales the elves down to a Lilliputian size.
1950s
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Santa of the 1950s seems quite pleased that a pair of chipmunks have parked on his gift bag, as they appear just as happy to be riding along with Mr. Claus.
1950s
Credit: Hallmark
A Hallmark card from the 1950s shows Santa getting roped by a lasso knotted with jingle bells.
1960s
Credit: Hallmark
The 1960s saw Hallmark occasionally move away from traditional imagery with the use of modern, hip and trendy art methods.
1960s
Credit: Hallmark
The use of shapes and lines defines this Hallmark holiday card, headlined by a winking Santa.
1960s
Credit: Hallmark
Hallmark goes simple with this minimalist version of Kris Kringle, who offers his uncomplicated beard as a branch for a similarly basic bird.
1960s
Credit: Hallmark
Santa shows up here with fluffy holiday spirit affixed to the card and some sort of adult spirit in his glass.
1960s
Credit: Hallmark
This '60s Santa stops for a smile for dropping down a chimney.
1970s
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Santa goes disco in this 1970s Hallmark greeting done with black-light design.
1970s
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Triangles and squares do the heavy lifting in spreading cheer with this simple yet hip Santa card.
1970s
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Presumably targeted at golfers, Santa adds his touch to a golf bag, his face in place of three club covers.
1980s
Credit: Hallmark
This Hallmark card goes for a heartwarming feel with Santa looking happy while wrapped in toys and a hug.
1980s
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Before '80s-style became a throwback in its own right, this card from that decade offered a Christmas image recalling an even earlier era.
1980s
Credit: Hallmark
Mrs. Claus makes an appearance in this holiday greeting, and it seems she doesn't like being the butt of her husband's double entendres.
1980s
Credit: Hallmark
Santa starred with a star in this 1980s Hallmark holiday card.
1990s
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This line art interpretation of Santa sported a bit of mistletoe on his hat.
2000s
Credit: Hallmark
For those who never caught on that Santa knows who's been naughty or nice, the inside of this piece of Hallmark stationary served as a reminder, with a photo of a lump of coal.
2010s
Credit: Hallmark
Hoops (pink) & Yoyo (green) team up with Piddles (blue) to sub for Santa on this humorous holiday card.
2010s
Credit: Hallmark
This 2-D photo is festive enough, but this card in person physically pops up into a 3-D greeting.
2010s
Credit: Hallmark
In the age of social media a "like-able" guy like Santa seems to have no problem finding lots and lots of Facebook friends.
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