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
Success, glory, advancement, victory: None for you, Willie!
Your chair will be empty, but your star will be there
We’ll miss you – but – we’re proud you’re there
They can’t scare this bird
Hat’s off to the flag & sleeves up – that’s U.S.
The gift I want from you
Send one to the Kaiser for me
Get their number, girl
A new star in the heavens
You can’t come home for Christmas, so bring Christmas home to them
A happy Christmas to the best-dressed woman in the world
I am trying to be like you, Sis.
Here’s where you are in our hearts
WWI Christmas card: On the job for them
The head o’ the table’s yours
“Carry on” – YMCA
Hello, Central: Parlez-vous Francais?
Hand him one for U.S.
Our Christmas present to you – One a day
Some bird
Let ’em screech – we’re screeching for you
Hit the bull’s eye
1919 on the Kaiser’s chest
Germany – Yo, ho! We’ll bottle him up
Don’t you hear that bell
WWI Christmas cards: Going down
Here’s where you are in our hearts
No place on Earth for Willie
Wish you many of them
It’s war this Christmas, but wait till next year
To Willie, from U.S.
“US Army” in a Christmas stocking
WWI Christmas cards: I know you’ll get yours
1918 – Too big for Hunny to play with
Go get ’em! (bulldog)
Herry Christmas to all
Trim ’em
The greatest home in the world
Give it to the Kaiser with our compliments
All’s serene and the goose hangs high
For Willie – WWI soldier
We hope you get one for Christmas
The right kind of a Christmas present
Carry on – Goose step with Yankee pep
The Old Gray Mare… he ain’t what he used to be
Keep going – there’s more coming!!
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
