Two bells hung with holly sprigs and red berries sit above the printed word "WISHES" and a four-line verse wishing good health, good tidings, and goodwill. Holly and bells were common Christmas and New Year motifs on postcards of the period, holly for winter greenery and bells for holiday announcement. The message on the back ties the card to a family Christmas greeting sent from Watertown to Pepacton, a Delaware County hamlet in the Catskills, in December 1912.
Postcard Details
Message · English, in pen
All join in send-
ing best Christmas
wishes to you
and Marlin
from
Emma John &
Ellen
Embossed accents on the bells and holly; cream border; creases at upper right and lower left; staining; faint circular mark at lower left.
Postmark: WATERTOWN N.Y. DEC 22 6 PM 1912 — divided-back card with "THIS SPACE MAY BE USED FOR WRITING / THIS SIDE FOR THE ADDRESS ONLY" heading; embossed/glazed stock, corner wear, creasing and a stain at lower left.
Cite this card
Christmas holly and bells, "Wishes" greeting, Watertown, NY, 1912, postcard, c. 1912. PostalPast Collection. https://postalpast.com/postcard/christmas-holly-and-bells-wishes-greeting-watertown-ny-1912. Accessed November 2, 2026.
