A Nostalgic Look at Victorian Christmas

Curated by Roedde House

By displaying enchanting vintage Christmas cards from the Roedde House collection, We explore their origins in 19th-century England and the rise of festive illustrations. Discover the Victorian Christmas traditions that shaped our modern celebrations, as Queen Victoria and Prince Albert introduced the Christmas tree and other German customs.
Uncover the quirky side of holiday greetings with a glimpse into the history of weird Christmas cards, featuring surreal and whimsical designs from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Victorian middle-class family ideals, emphasizing togetherness and gift-giving, continue to influence our seasonal festivities. The impact of the Industrial Revolution, which brought mass production and commercialization to Christmas, shaped the way we decorate and exchange gifts during this magical (and commercial) season.