Christkindl, Austria, c. 1890
In Austria and Germany, it is the
Christkindl, the Christ Child, who
brings gifts and even the Christmas
tree to children on Christmas Eve.

Guardian Angels, France, 1900
Tender religious scenes in lovely pastel colors
were typical of French holy cards in the late
19th/early 20th centuries. The intricate
border is in the Art Nouveau style.

Adoration of the Magi,
Belgium, 1880
This holy card was designed by the
Society of St. Augustine in Bruges,
Belgium, one of the finest producers
of holy cards in 19th-century Europe.

Angel Choir, Bavaria, c. 1915
In southern Germany a century ago it was the custom at Christmas to give or send holy cards such as this. Schoolteachers often passed out Christmas holy cards to their students, and parish priests distributed them to their parishioners.