Awesomely Bizarre Soviet Space-Themed Holiday Cards

Happy New Year! Why yes, that is a Santa riding a sleigh powered by space rockets. But no, it’s not a Christmas thing. Are you not familiar with Ded Moroz, the Slavic version of Santa Claus who shows up on New Year’s Eve to deliver presents? That’s not a Christmas tree, either — that’s a Yolochka (“little pine.”) Etc. All of that is explained in detail at Mazaika.com, but can we please talk about this cosmonaut theme? Why is Santa riding a Sputnik to the moon? Why is there a gaggle of children dancing in space? Welcome to the weird and wonderful world of Soviet space-themed holiday greeting cards, spotted by Dangerous Minds, where inspiring propaganda takes flight to great — very great — heights. Enjoy.