Other than the colder weather, the long, dark days of December, and an exponential increase in the consumption of peppermint mochas, a sure sign of the impending Christmas holidays are the end of exams. With the stress of studying and final papers now passed, we thought it would be a great time to dig in to Open Collections to highlight some of our favorite festive images.

Enjoy our selection of historical photos and artworks celebrating the Christmas season, and from all of us at the Digitization Centre, have a safe and happy holiday!

“Bright and happy be your Christmas” holiday greeting card, 1899

“With many merry Christmas greetings” holiday greeting card, 1899

“The holiday letter from school – A Boy’s dream of the coming Christmas”, 1899

“Coming in for Christmas” painting by H. Bullock-Webster

Soldiers celebrating Christmas in France, between 1914 and 1918

Christmas party decorations on the first C.P. R.M.S. Empress of Australia, ca. 1929

Historical photograph of UBC’s Main Library in the snow, 1960’s

Sequoia tree with Christmas lights in front of UBC Library, 1990