A Christmas Card is based on the traditional carol “We wish you a Merry Christmas”. The piece was composed as a Theme and Easy Variations, the well-known tune being presented decorously as first. In Variation I, 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 III and accelerates to the finish. There are suggestions of other tunes and styles, making this a witty and amusing addition to a Christmas concert, and not too difficult to master!
