See 45 patriotic vintage WWI-era Christmas cards for US soldiers & others serving during the war in 1918

Christmas cards postcards 1918

Note: This article may feature affiliate links, and purchases made may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. Find out more here.

Facebook
Pinterest
Twitter
Email
LinkedIn
Pocket
Reddit

The postcards below were published in Ladies’ Home Journal magazine back in 1918, at the height of World War I.

There were four categories — cards for the boy “over there,” the girl “over there,” for the boy on the ships, and for the boy “over here.”

While many of these greetings played up the spirit of Christmas, more of them were about sending a message of strength and patriotism than anything sentimental. 

Because the originals were probably too small and light to make it through the mail on their own, readers were instructed to “Paste one of these on the back of the letter to your boy or girl in service.”

FYI: In the cards below, “Willie” refers to the Kaiser Wilhelm II (the German Emperor), while “Hunny” was a play on a derogatory nickname for German soldiers during the Great War — Huns.

Send Christmas cards for the boys “over there” laden with cheery messages

The number of Christmas packages that may be sent to the boys at the front is limited, but no restriction has been placed on the number of postcards.

There are patriotic cards that will inspire the boys to new achievements, tender messages from loved ones at home and, comical ones that will furnish a hearty laugh — they are all here without number. There are cards, too, that are suitable to send to friends “over here.” Make your selection early before all the choicest ones are gone. – From The Washington Post (Washington DC) October 22, 1918


These colors guaranteed not to run

Antique Christmas cards for WWI service in 1918 (39)


Success, glory, advancement, victory: None for you, Willie!

Antique Christmas cards for WWI service in 1918 (14)


Your chair will be empty, but your star will be there

Antique Christmas cards for WWI service in 1918 (45)


We’ll miss you – but – we’re proud you’re there

Antique Christmas cards for WWI service in 1918 (1)


They can’t scare this bird

Antique Christmas cards for WWI service in 1918 (2)


Hat’s off to the flag & sleeves up – that’s U.S.

Antique Christmas cards for WWI service in 1918 (37)

ALSO SEE
War declared: American newspaper headlines from the very start of WWI in 1914

The gift I want from you

Antique Christmas cards for WWI service in 1918 (15)


Send one to the Kaiser for me

Antique Christmas cards for WWI service in 1918 (16)


Get their number, girl

Antique Christmas cards for WWI service in 1918 (17)

ALSO SEE
What was it like to be a telephone operator? Behind the scenes in the early switchboard days

A new star in the heavens

Antique Christmas cards for WWI service in 1918 (18)


You can’t come home for Christmas, so bring Christmas home to them

Antique Christmas cards for WWI service in 1918 (19)


A happy Christmas to the best-dressed woman in the world

Antique Christmas cards for WWI service in 1918 (20)


I am trying to be like you, Sis.

Antique Christmas cards for WWI service in 1918 (21)


Here’s where you are in our hearts

Antique Christmas cards for WWI service in 1918 (22)


WWI Christmas card: On the job for them

Antique Christmas cards for WWI service in 1918 (23)

ALSO SEE
WWI food rationing posters (1917-1919)

The head o’ the table’s yours

Antique Christmas cards for WWI service in 1918 (24)


“Carry on” – YMCA

Antique Christmas cards for WWI service in 1918 (25)


Hello, Central: Parlez-vous Francais?

Antique Christmas cards for WWI service in 1918 (26)


Hand him one for U.S.

Antique Christmas cards for WWI service in 1918 (27)


Our Christmas present to you – One a day

Antique Christmas cards for WWI service in 1918 (28)


Some bird

Antique Christmas cards for WWI service in 1918 (29)


Let ’em screech – we’re screeching for you

Antique Christmas cards for WWI service in 1918 (30)


Hit the bull’s eye

Antique Christmas cards for WWI service in 1918 (31)


1919 on the Kaiser’s chest

Germany – Yo, ho! We’ll bottle him up

Antique Christmas cards for WWI service in 1918 (32)

ALSO SEE
WWI: Declaration of war signed by President Wilson (1917)

Don’t you hear that bell

Antique Christmas cards for WWI service in 1918 (34)


WWI Christmas cards: Going down

Antique Christmas cards for WWI service in 1918 (35)


Here’s where you are in our hearts

Antique Christmas cards for WWI service in 1918 (36)


No place on Earth for Willie

Antique Christmas cards for WWI service in 1918 (38)


Wish you many of them

Antique Christmas cards for WWI service in 1918 (40)


It’s war this Christmas, but wait till next year

Antique Christmas cards for WWI service in 1918 (41)

ALSO SEE
20 antique Christmas cards from 100+ years ago

To Willie, from U.S.

“US Army” in a Christmas stocking

Antique Christmas cards for WWI service in 1918 (42)


WWI Christmas cards: I know you’ll get yours

Antique Christmas cards for WWI service in 1918 (43)

ALSO SEE
A treasury of 150+ vintage Christmas cookie recipes

1918 – Too big for Hunny to play with

Antique Christmas cards for WWI service in 1918 (44)


Go get ’em! (bulldog)

Antique Christmas cards for WWI service in 1918 (3)


Herry Christmas to all

Antique Christmas cards for WWI service in 1918 (4)


Trim ’em

Antique Christmas cards for WWI service in 1918 (5)


The greatest home in the world

Antique Christmas cards for WWI service in 1918 (6)


Give it to the Kaiser with our compliments

Antique Christmas cards for WWI service in 1918 (7)


All’s serene and the goose hangs high

Antique Christmas cards for WWI service in 1918 (8)


For Willie – WWI soldier

Antique Christmas cards for WWI service in 1918 (9)


We hope you get one for Christmas

Antique Christmas cards for WWI service in 1918 (10)

ALSO SEE
See dozens of vintage US Army & Navy shoulder insignia, plus WWII military medals & ribbons

The right kind of a Christmas present

Antique Christmas cards for WWI service in 1918 (11)


Carry on – Goose step with Yankee pep

Antique Christmas cards for WWI service in 1918 (12)


The Old Gray Mare… he ain’t what he used to be

Antique Christmas cards for WWI service in 1918 (13)


Keep going – there’s more coming!!

Antique Christmas cards for WWI service in 1918 (33)

ALSO SEE
Peace declared: American newspaper headlines from the very end of WWI in 1919

Send your Christmas gifts early! (1918)

Gifts to men in the Expeditionary Forces in France should be shipped before November 15. The size and number of packages is limited by government regulation. “Next of Kin” will receive a label from his soldier at the front which must be attached to the Christmas Package mailed from America. It must not exceed 9x4x3 inches, nor weigh over three pounds.

Gifts to Men in Siberia must be mailed on or before October 25. Packages will be limited to 7 lbs. Write the address clearly, name of unit organization, and add “American Expeditionary Forces in Siberia.” – From The Washington Post (Washington DC) October 22, 1918

PS: If you liked this article, please share it! You can also get our free newsletter, follow us on Facebook & Pinterest. Thanks for visiting and for supporting a small business! 🤩 

Facebook
Pinterest
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

You might also like...

The fun never ends:

Comments on this story

Leave a comment here!

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.