A Christmas Card is based on the traditional carol 'We Wish You a Merry Christmas'. The piece was composed as a theme and variations, the well-know tune being decorously presented at first. In Variation 1, the tune is shared out between the instruments with comic effect. This is followed by a solemn variation in F minor, after which the tune reverts to the major mode in Variation 3 which accelerates to the finish. There are suggestions of other tunes and styles, making this a witty and amusing addition to a Christmas Concert.
