Happy New Year 2026: vintage postcards

New Year is one of the most beloved holidays in Russia, the tradition of celebrating which was approved during the reign of Peter I. Balls were given in noble houses, delicious dishes were served on the table, and gifts were prepared for loved ones. Later, greeting cards were introduced into festive use, which remain an important part of winter celebrations today. Izvestia has prepared a selection of more than 30 colorful old-style postcards. They are filled with anticipation of the magical atmosphere of the holiday and will appeal to connoisseurs of aesthetics of the past.

The custom of giving greeting cards for New Year and Christmas came to Russia from England. This was largely facilitated by the postal reform of 1840. She introduced the world's first postage stamps, standardized and unified shipping costs. Postal services have become easier and more accessible. In this favorable environment, the world's first Christmas card appeared in 1843. Its creator is considered to be Sir Henry Cole.

At his request, the artist John Horsley depicted the Englishman's family at a festive table. The central part of the composition was occupied by the inscription: "Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!" The idea of Cole sending congratulations to friends in the form of drawings on cardboard turned out to be extremely popular. Later, mass production of holiday cards began in England and other European countries.

At first, foreign postcards became common in Russia, but in 1895 the first domestic pictures appeared depicting St. Petersburg, Moscow and other Russian cities. Over time, greeting cards acquired distinctive features. Artists often turned to images of the Russian winter and folk traditions.

The cards depicted snow-covered village churches, fir branches bending under fluffy snow, or a sleigh pulled by three horses. No less popular were the plots that beat the ancient Russian rituals, folk festivals and the noisy fun of Christmas fairs.

The main figure of the New Year's cards was Santa Claus. His recognizable appearance was shaped by the image of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker (St. Nicholas the Wonderworker). Like his holy prototype, the winter wizard was depicted in a long, often patterned fur coat, with a staff and a bag of gifts.

After 1917, New Year's Eve and Christmas were banned, and the issue of postcards ceased, as the new government considered them an element of bourgeois life. The revival of the tradition took place only in the mid-1930s. Then the New Year's celebration was officially restored and printing houses started printing greeting cards again.

Today, postcards remain one of the most popular ways to wish a Happy New Year. You can send your loved ones both a classic postcard and a modern one, such as an animated one, on social networks or messengers Max, Telegram, Viber or WhatsApp (owned by Meta, which is recognized as extremist and banned in Russia). Congratulations can be supplemented with beautiful wishes in verse or in prose in your own words.

Happy New Year greetings in prose

"Happy New Year! I wish that 2026 was as bright as the glitter of tinsel in the light of garlands, and as sonorous as the clink of glasses under the chimes. May your family hearth burn smoothly and warmly, driving away any adversity and attracting good luck and happiness to the house!"

"Just as Santa Claus brings gifts to children, may the new year 2026 bring a bag of happiness, family well-being and many joyful moments to your home. May faith in a miracle never fade in your heart, and the New Year will once again make you believe in a winter fairy tale!"

"May the coming year 2026 be as warm and bright as the lights on the Christmas tree! I wish your whole family to gather under its pine-scented branches, share their dreams and remember the kindest moments of the past year. May the holiday give you a feeling of unshakable happiness, comfort and home warmth!"

"Happy New Year! May every month of the coming year be bright and unforgettable! Let miracles happen more often than you dream of, and everything you wish for comes true as quickly as a sparkler flashes, illuminating everything with sparkling light. Happy New Year!"

"New Year is a time for wonder, the magic of a winter fairy tale, and new beginnings. I wish you not only to dream this new year, but also to move slowly but confidently in the direction of your desires. May luck and the warmth of your closest people accompany you on this road. Happy New Year!"

"As the chimes strike, in the circle of your closest ones, make your most cherished wishes — may they certainly come true in the new year. I wish that 2026 will bring many reasons for joyful, sincere smiles. May mutual understanding reign in your family, and your home will always be a full bowl where you can hide from any weather!"

"I wish the new year to start with the ringing laughter of children, gifts under the Christmas tree and warm hugs. Let the family tradition of cooking a festive dinner together — making dumplings or baking gingerbread — fill the house not only with delicious smells, but also with spiritual unity, adding another happy page to your life!"

"Happy New Year 2026! May every day of the coming year be filled with joy and smiles, and there will always be those who make your life special. I wish you comfort and prosperity in your home, success at work, and peace and tranquility in your soul!"

"Congratulations on the upcoming year 2026! May it be a year of new beginnings for you, a time to realize your wildest ideas and plans. May luck always accompany you, and happiness and well-being fill every day. May there be more bright and joyful events in your life, and all difficulties will be left behind!"

"Happy New Year! I wish you prosperity, well-being and harmony. Let every day bring something new and interesting, and the year will be full of pleasant surprises and joyful moments. I wish you good health, fulfillment of your wishes and great happiness in the new year!"

"Happy New Year! Let the chimes strike, holding hands, and you will feel that the main miracle is not somewhere far away, but here, in this circle of love called family. I wish that the new year 2026 will carefully carry your family warmth through all the snowstorms and bring a lot of joy from the simple moments spent together!"

"Happy New Year 2026! May this year be a time of joy, love and harmony for you. May it be filled with good events, pleasant surprises and happy moments. May all your efforts and aspirations be crowned with success, and life gives you only positive emotions and impressions!"

"Happy New Year! I wish you that every day of the new calendar brings small joys, which will make up one big happiness. May your home be filled with warmth and kindness, and life sparkle with bright colors. May your loved ones always be near you, and luck will become your faithful companion!"

Happy New Year greetings in verse

"Happy magical holiday to all of you,
Happy New Year's Eve!
Kindness, love, shining eyes
May everything come true today!
May the New Year bring you
Any wishes are fulfilled.
And may they always accompany you
Good luck in life and luck!"

"The old year has melted away,
Like a snowflake on the palm of your hand.
The New Year is in a hurry to fill up
Happiness in every window.
May he bring joy
Laughter, smiles and fun
And, like pearls, it will collect
All the wishes are in the necklace!"

"Flips through the time of the months of the page.
And once again, the New Year is rushing to us.
Let any dream come true,
All good and bright things will come.
I wish you many joyful events.,
Comfort and warmth this year.
Winter's paintings are beautiful and mysterious.
To see the luckiest star!"

"May the New Year come
You only get the best.:
Love, kindness and respect,
Good luck, happiness, inspiration,
Health and success in business.
Prosperity, joy, ringing laughter.
You will accept all his gifts,
I'm sorry for the insults of the past —
And step by step in the new year,
Where only the best awaits you!"

"The moon is shining on high,
And the snow crunches underfoot.
Along a fresh, thin path
A fairy tale will hurry to visit us.
How beautiful our Christmas tree is,
And the rainbow is burning on it!
The soul sings with joy,
And Santa Claus is already in a hurry.
I wish you a Happy New Year:
Let your dreams come true,
And the cycle of good deeds
It will give you happiness and beauty!"

"May the New Year be
Showered with gifts,
Warm meetings,
Bright moments,
With ringing fun,
Comfort in homes,
With love on my heart
And a sparkle in his eyes!"

"I wish you a Happy New Year
There are many fairy tales and miracles.
Let the snow sparkle, sparkle,
There will be happiness to the skies.
Santa Claus brings gifts,
There will be a Christmas tree and a round dance.
A colorful and vibrant life
Good holiday, Happy New Year!"

The postcards and greetings were prepared by Izvestia using artificial intelligence.