Victorian Christmas Card: Four Children with Slate Chalkboards

Their expressions range from vague smugness to existential resignation—four dead-eyed children in color-coded Victorian dresses (olive, red, teal, and yellow) standing in military formation holding individual chalkboards that collectively spell out 'A MERRY XMAS TO YOU,' because apparently one sign was too efficient for this era. They suggest they've been conscripted into holiday cheer against their will and know it. The wallpapered background and red carpet beneath their tiny dark shoes give the whole tableau the energy of a school recital that has somehow also become a hostage situation.