1906 Early Clapsaddle Christmas Delight

Rich with color, meaning, and turn-of-the-century artistry, this 1906 Christmas postcard designed by Ellen H. Clapsaddle captures the season’s spirit with thoughtful grace. Set against a deep red background, the design centers on an open book of sheet music framed within an elegant oval, its pages inviting the viewer to imagine the sounds of cherished carols once sung by lamplight. Surrounding the book are sprays of holly—evergreen, vibrant, and enduring—paired with five glowing candles, each resting in a nest of holly leaves and red berries.

The greeting “A merry Christmas” appears in flowing cursive on the right, while a gentle quote attributed to Clapsaddle herself rests at the lower left: “Strive to follow day by day where His footsteps mark the way.” In her signature style, Clapsaddle blends holiday beauty with quiet spiritual reflection, creating a card that feels both heartfelt and enduring.

With its undivided back, this postcard dates to the earliest era of private holiday correspondence—a time when messages were brief, and the image did most of the speaking. A piece of Christmas history, beautifully preserved.

This antique postcard would look great framed, make a wonderful hostess gift or stocking stuffer, a unique holiday decoration, or make an excellent addition to any collection.

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