Victorian Santa Christmas Greeting Card with Holly

Congratulations, Victorian illustrator H. Kessler — you've managed to make Santa Claus look like a man who has *seen things*. Framed by holly branches and clutching a banner that reads 'Christmas Joys be Thine,' this red-suited, black-fur-trimmed Saint Nick delivers his holiday wishes with the weary, heavy-lidded expression of someone who deeply regrets every decision that led him to this moment. The phrase 'Joys be Thine' hits very differently when delivered by a man whose eyes communicate 'I know what you did.' Copyright 1908, which means this particular piece of seasonal psychological warfare has been haunting people for over a century — truly the gift that keeps on giving.