December Across the Smithsonian Collections

It’s December, which of course means the beginning of the holiday season.

Festive décor starts to appear in store windows (or, let’s be honest, these days it starts going up in late October . . .).

And the parties really get into full swing.

I want to go to whatever party they’re going to (top hats and tulle—swanky!)

The holiday cards start rolling in.

Season’s Greetings—I weigh 160 and I’ll knock you out!

Santa Claus makes appearances at the mall, or in this case, in the hills of Appalachia.

Retailers start in with the advertising mania.

Hey guys . . . wanna mustachioed beer stein?

No, really, everyone exploits taps into the spirit of the season!

Sometimes the pleasures of Christmas last all year round . . .

(Egg Nog and Hot Toddys all the time? Count me in!)

But most of us it’s all a lead up to that one time of year when far-flung friends and family to gather at the hearth and table to talk and celebrate . . .

Or for the young (and young at heart), a time to anticipate what magical thing might soon be waiting under the tree.

(Super awesome Mickey Mouse guitar anyone?)

Happy Holidays from all of us at the Smithsonian Photography Initiative!