Full color!
The reverse of this card indicates it was 1965. The girls Kathy & Karen are again in matching pajamas, and looking at a large decoration. It appears to have a small elf on it, and reminds me of a mistletoe ball my mother had. The girls are surrounded by pretty packages. The color printed card also features holly and ribbon ties, and is signed The Kleins / Fred, Isobel, Kathy, Karen.
Something important to say here
Wearing the same pajamas as the card from the previous year, Kathy & Karen are again opening presents while surrounded by more presents. They must have been very loved! The card salutation is Christmas Greetings from Our Home to Yours, and features a pair of small houses with smoke coming from their chimneys. The printed closing reads The Kleins – Fred, Isobel, Kathy & Karen.
Girls and gifts
Some of these cards are really difficult to guess the year. There will be some help on some future cards, so I’m taking a guess that this is early 60s. Kathy & Karen Klein share the opening of a present, surrounded by more wrapped packages. The card itself features an angel, stars and the salutation Peace on Earth. It is signed simply The Kleins.
A trompe l’oeil design
Kathy and Karen Klein appear to be reading or singing from books, but this effect is called trompe l’oeil meaning “trick the eye.” The photograph is overlaid by the line art, making it look like the girls were caught in the act of singing or reading. The line art consists of the books, bells, holly, pine boughs and ornaments.
A pile of packages
The girls are finally growing up a little! Kathy & Karen Klein stand in front of the fireplace, holding a big pile of packages. There are more packages on the hearth, pine boughs and a banner, looks like some bells on either side. The card features line art of a couple in a horse drawn sled “dashing through the snow.”
Who Were They? 