Victorian Christmas Greeting Card with Angel Children and Holly

The proportions here are distinctly wrong—three toddlers tower over a spotted puppy that looks disturbingly small beside them as they process up a staircase in what can only be described as the world's smallest, most ominous candlelight vigil. Two clutch lit candles like tiny fire hazards who've never heard of OSHA, while the third drags the puppy on a leash who is clearly already regretting its involvement. The lead child has turned to look back with the dead-eyed expression of someone who has seen things, while the rearguard toddler tucks a red stocking under its arm like it's smuggling contraband. Ellen Clapsaddle, the artist who signed this fever dream, apparently thought 'children ascending stairs into darkness holding open flames while kidnapping a dog' screamed 'May this Holly-day be a jolly day' — and honestly, with a pun that bad, the existential dread feels earned.