34 Adorable And Funny Thanksgiving Postcards From The Past That Are Plainly Strange
"If you like me meet me on 'Thanksgiving Day' at the dinner table. - Baby Arthur"
Some Thanksgiving postcards from the past look cute at first glance, like small paper hugs you could tuck into a drawer. Then you notice the wording, the weird little “jokes,” and the way they treat the whole holiday like a performance, not a meal. One card basically announces the food like it’s being delivered under orders, another sounds like it’s reporting what’s happening in the kitchen, and a few read more like family memos than greetings.
What makes it complicated is that these aren’t random one-off jokes. They come from real households with real rules, including the postcard that flat-out tells someone not to annoy the family tomorrow at dinner, and to keep quiet like children should. You can almost hear the tension hiding under the turkey humor, because the cards are trying to be cheerful while also reminding everyone who’s in charge, who gets a “spot,” and who should behave.
By the time you hit the cards about “one for each person” and the one that sounds like a Thanksgiving ride, you realize the strangest part is how normal it all felt back then.
1. From me to you
apceveryday2. A Thanksgiving basket
unmoderated3. I come bearing a lot of food
ewan traveler
The Thanksgiving postcards featured in this article serve as fascinating artifacts that mirror the societal values and humor of their respective eras. Each postcard provides a unique lens into American culture, showcasing how humor has evolved alongside shifting family dynamics and social norms throughout history.
These vintage cards often embody a blend of nostalgia and irony, revealing much about the cultural context of the times they represent. They are not merely decorative items; they are snapshots of human experience and connection, illustrating the ways people have expressed gratitude and shared joy during this festive occasion.
4. The cooking is going on
Pit-Guitar
5. May you be satisfied on Thanksgiving
unmoderated
6. Here we go again
The New York Public Library
Before the “I come bearing a lot of food” postcard even hits the page, you can already tell this holiday is going to come with expectations, not just turkey.
Schwartz highlights that even quirky postcards can spark joy and laughter, reminding us that humor is a vital component of familial connections during the holiday season.
7. A turkey is going down
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8. A cheap feed for Thanksgiving
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9. It's a happy Thanksgiving
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Cultural Reflections
10. "Please do not annoy the family tomorrow at dinner, for children should be seen and not heard. Please reserve a Southern break away for me. Jack. "
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11. An American turkey?
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12. Let's go for a ride
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13. This is my spot
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14. It's a joyful Thanksgiving
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15. Before and after Thanksgiving dinner
apceveryday
Then the “Please do not annoy the family tomorrow at dinner” message shows up, and suddenly the cute greetings feel like rules in disguise.
And if you like absurd humor, these alien, robot, and human-error memes hit the same weird nerve.
Humor's Role
Incorporating humorous elements, like funny postcards, can serve as conversation starters, making gatherings more enjoyable and less tense.
16. Here's as strong a request
unmoderated
17. Let's get to work
Toronto Reference Library
18. The Thanksgiving day greeting
unmoderated
19. We're preparing for Thanksgiving
ChristiesCurios
20. The turkey is arriving
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21. One for each person
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Right after that, the cards about the cooking being “going on” and the turkey “arriving” make it feel like Thanksgiving is a scheduled event, not a warm tradition.
Encouraging Gratitude
One simple approach is to share what each family member is thankful for before or during the meal.
22. That is a fast swap
apceveryday
23. From me to you
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24. A peaceful Thanksgiving
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In the realm of Thanksgiving celebrations, the use of humor emerges as a vital tool for families to manage potential conflicts. The quirky and charming postcards featured in this collection not only bring nostalgia but also serve as icebreakers, helping to diffuse tension before it can escalate. By sharing these light-hearted images, families can foster open communication and laughter, both essential ingredients for a harmonious holiday gathering.
Encouraging the inclusion of joyful moments, these unique Thanksgiving postcards invite families to embrace humor, creating an atmosphere where gratitude and laughter coexist. This intentional approach to celebrating can transform the holiday experience, making it memorable and enjoyable for everyone involved.
25. More greetings to you
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26. Someone read it out please
otherdavelive
27. The turkey is ready for grabs
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By the time you get to the “one for each person” and “this is my spot” style greetings, the whole dinner table starts to sound like a tiny, chaotic battleground.
Reflecting on Change
28. "If you like me meet me on 'Thanksgiving Day' at the dinner table. - Baby Arthur"
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29. From the turkey and pumpkin
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30. A souvenir for Thanksgiving
eldersveld
31. A good wish for Thanksgiving
apceveryday
32. A good wishes turkey
birdhousebooks
33. The turkey is standing by
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Conclusion
The insights offered by experts underscore the multifaceted nature of Thanksgiving postcards, revealing their cultural, emotional, and historical significance. By engaging with these quirky artifacts, families can foster deeper connections through shared narratives and humor.
34. Nice art
its_m_reilly
If we're sincere, it's possible that your thoughtfully chosen Christmas card will be overlooked in the frenzy of December joy. Your well-wishes stand out long before other Christmas cards start coming in, so sending a Thanksgiving card well in advance of the holiday rush makes them more of a pleasant surprise.
This list above entails postcards from the past, but they're nothing short of what we're talking about. Leave your thoughts about these postcards in the comments section below, and share as well.
They evoke a sense of nostalgia that highlights the importance of family connections during the holiday. Each postcard tells a story that can initiate conversations among relatives, allowing for a shared appreciation of their heritage. This dialogue not only fosters gratitude but also enhances emotional well-being, turning the act of reminiscing into a bonding experience. By honoring the whimsical nature of these postcards, families can create new memories that honor both the past and the present. Furthermore, incorporating traditions like expressing gratitude before meals can elevate Thanksgiving gatherings, transforming them into significant celebrations of togetherness and appreciation.
The postcards were supposed to say happy Thanksgiving, but they mostly sound like permission slips for who gets to act normal.
Want more “who gave this as a gift?” history, see the antique finds people were gifted from dusty corners.
