Christmas Cards

In ancient days all good Romans gave Strenae (New Year's gifts) to their children and friends on the Kalends of January. In later days, after all Christendom had agreed to celebrate on Dec. 25 the birth of their Lord Jesus Christ, many and many such pagan customs were transferred joyously to Christmastide. Today all good folk know that they should ponder reverently that mystery of 1936 years ago. But they may be pagan too, and are; to the profit of many and many a tradesman. Last week in Manhattan there was an exhibition of Christmas cards, at the Hotel New Weston, and some people observed that it was far more in the spirit of Rome than Bethlehem.

Britain's Royal Family always choose large, colorful, spirited Christmas cards. This year's lot, all made by Raphael Tuck & Co., Ltd. as during the past century, measure 12 1/2 in. by 10 in. For greetings, King George said, simply: "Good Wishes." Two London scenes decorate his card. Queen Mary, as usual, chose flower scenes: two by Flora Pilkington. The Prince of Wales selected two 18th Century hunting prints, with the wish: "At every stage of life's high road good luck and pleasure meet you." For Princess Mary, hunting scenes with the legend "Good Sport." The Duke & Duchess of York just said. "Salutation and Greeting to You,'' with two ice-skating pictures.

New York's Bishop William Thomas Manning had one of the few pious greetings in the exhibition. A small, single square, it said: "Christ Our Incarnate Lord Who was born in Bethlehem, give you His joy and peace this Christmas time." The Church of Christ, Scientist had a card with a picture of its Mother Church in Boston. Between these two was exhibited a card by one Herbert Fields of Paris, which read: "Fifty million Christians can't be wrong. . . ."

Cinema and stage folk run to large, expensive Christmas cards, with heavy silver paper and fancy typography. Alla Nazimova sends her signature, in red ink. Lily Pons puts a picture of herself in a folder of heavy silver paper, wrapped in cellophane. Eddie Cantor caricatures his large eyes, surrounded by holly wreaths. Helen Morgan sits on a piano, weeping and singing. George Gershwin caricatures his profile. Percy Crosby shows his "Skippy" kneeling by his bed, saying: "Dear God, it's funny how ya get to thinkin' of the old pals on Christmas Eve. . . ."

John P. Morgan, Anne Morgan, Noel Coward, Calvin Coolidge, Mrs. Vincent Astor were asked for cards for the exhibit, replied that they had none to exhibit this year.

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