A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....12-24,25,26-03 ~ Let Us Rejoice

Billie

[Billie]

(The following excerpts are from Better Homes & Gardens 1993
"Holiday Celebrations"; information & Christmas Cards furnished
by Hallmark Cards, Inc.)

Although the Christmas season has been celebrated for centuries, it wasn't until the last half of the 19th century that printed cards were widely exchanged. Until that time, only a few people sent hand-written Christmas messages - those who could read and write, and afford to pay a messenger. This changed in the mid-1800s, when many people were learning to read and write through free public schools.

The passage of the Penny Postage Act in England in 1840 finally put the price of mailing letters within almost everyone's reach.

The idea of Christmas cards came only three years after England's postal reform. Henry Cole, a London businessman, originated the practice in 1843 when he asked John Calcott Horsley, an artist in the Royal Academy, to design a card conveying his Christmas wishes. The card is believed to be the first commercially-printed Christmas card.

The first-known Christmas card, designed in 1843 by British
artist John Horsley. Only a dozen specimens of the first card
are known to exist. Two of these, including one that has never
been used, are part of the Hallmark Historical Collection in
Kansas City, Missouri.

Several of England's early greeting card companies were established in the 1860s. Cards manufactured from 1860 theough the 1890s by Publisher Charles Goodall & Son and other English competitors - Marcus Ward & Co., De La Rue & Co., and Raphael Tuck & Co. (later called Raphael Tuck & Sons) - are highly sought by collectors because of their limited availability. These cars were exported to the United States and are usually as easy to find here as the domestic cards of the same period.

Sending holiday greeting cards was slow to spread to America. For more than 30 years, the only ones available in this country were imported. Then in 1875, German immigrant Louis Prang, of Boston, began publishing an American version of the popular English missives. By 1881, only six years after the production of his first Christmas cards, Prang was printing 5 million cards a year - most of them Christmas cards. In order to acquire excellent designs, he sponsored contests for artists, with prizes up to $4,000!

Louis Prang, the "father of the American Christmas card",
published this sweet child gracing the cover of a collection
of hymns in 1888.

Prang is credited with establishing card designs with which
we're familiar today. His cards were works of art, often
incorporating as many as 20 different colors.

In the 1890s, the penny-postcard craze hit America, and soon inexpensive German-made postcards flooded the market. Although the cards were crude, the price was right. Until World War I, Germany monopolized the business.

This penny postcard, published in Germany in 1909, features
robins - popular because, according to legend, a small brown
bird fanned a fire to keep the Christ child warm. During the
vigil, the bird's breast was seared scarlet.

The modern greeting card industry began in the early 1900s with the birth of such companies as Hallmark Cards (then known as Hall brothers, Inc.), Rustcraft, Buzza, and American Greetings. Even during the Depression, printed greetings were popular. Money was scarce, so many people sent cards instead of gifts.

World War II shortages curtailed the paper supply. Giltter became more scarce than gold, but still greeting cards survived. The cards became very patriotic - the use of the flag was popular, and even often carried by Santa. Special cards were created for soldiers overseas. "Across the miles" and "Missing you" sentiments reflected the somber reality of the day.

The American flag and the Statute of Liberty are united
for freedom in this inspiring 1942 greeting card.

The Christmas card custom has weathered war, economic turmoil, and social changes spanning well over a century. It serves the timeless human need to stay close, to share special thoughts with friends far and near during our most cherished holiday seasons.

Cards have come a long way since 1843. Designs are more sophisticated; production processes have been refined. But the message on that first Christmas card is as relevant today as it was then ..... "A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you".

From all of us to all of you, it is our wish that this Christmas is your best one yet; that your blessings are many; your loved ones are with you; and most of all, that Christ is in your heart.

THIS WEEK'S THREADS 12-22-03 Military Monday 12-23-03 Christmas Music

Opinions by our own 'King of Ping' The guy's good, folks!

Thanks, Mixer!

1) Click on the graphic to open the Calendar.
2) Once there you can click on any month and even click to the right to go into next year. Once you are in the month that you joined FR you will need to click on the number in the calendar and then an add item screen will come up.
3) In the next box enter your name in the "Calendar Text" field and then click on submit.
4) If any of the screens fail to load simply click on refresh in your browser and that will usually fix it.
5) If all else fails or simply if you want me to do this for you send me a FReepmail and I will gladly do it for you. ~Mixer

Click on the photo to view the album. To
submit your photo, please contact dansangel or .45Man
at
danbh59@yahoo.com
and include Freeper Photo Album in subject line.

[dixie sass]

Where is Wolfman woofie?

[dixie sass]

Merry Christmas to one of my bestest friends. Hugs and smooches, Syncro.

That is a beautiful face - bright and shining!

[Victoria Delsoul]

Thanks for the lovely thread, Billie, you are an artist!

Merry Christmas to you, too, Colleen and to everyone here. May God bless you all.

[LadyX]

You've not been reading all the comments to you, Miss Cousin Dixie..:))
For example:

Posted by LadyX to Billie; Mama_Bear; dansangel; dutchess; Aquamarine; FreeTheHostages; ST.LOUIE1; jwfiv; WVNan; ...
On News/Activism ^ 12/22/2003 3:37:47 PM EST #50 of 67 ^

Do I need a note from someone to return to the Finest??!!
LOL
Have had a glorious time with two of my three children here, and four of the grandchildren....how indescribably sweet it has been...

My other son was unable to come up, but had the Gift Idea from them all.
Years ago I had given him (photography one of his hobbies) some old 8 mm films we'd taken in Alaska in the early 60's when the children were little, but as 8 mm was replaced by other things and the projector was broken in a move, there was no way to view them.
Steve found a firm in California that would transfer them to a disk for viewing on a DVD player, to which he added a musical background, and they all chipped in to cover that cost and a DVD player, since we did not have one.

It was awesome to see the boys at ages 10 and 11 leading Jennifer, not quite 3 yet, on a full sized horse they'd been on - she was a little Fearless Fosdick in action!
There were other segments with me in them, and of our beloved collie/cocker spaniel whose task was to guard Jennifer 24/7.

He would stay beside her on the base housing playground, growling off any strange children or adults who came near, always placing his body between her and a perceived threat.

He was most noted for his playful cocker spaniel side, however, absolutely loving going up the huge slide ladder and zipping down with a grin on his face!
I had filmed one of those days as he went around and around, occasionally knocking aside a child to get to the top..:))

They'd made copies of the CD for each of them to have, and it was pure joy to watch it with them and four of their children and remember other days - other years.

My cup runneth over on this time of celebrating our Wonderful Gift from God....

Asking Him to bless each reader with special memories of your own....

---

A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....12-22-03....Military Monday ^

Posted by LadyX to Diver Dave
On News/Activism ^ 12/22/2003 6:12:05 PM EST #55 of 67 ^

Happy to have your update, Dave - and yes, the Holy Spirit is in the midst of any such gatherings with family.
Kevin and Susan have sent their two sons (11 and 15) to an excellent Christian Academy in West Palm Beach all their school years, and are extremely active in all they do.

They always have taken them camping all over Florida, along with friends and their children to maximize the enjoyment, and have had them try all kinds of sports.

Last year, Christopher delayed playing football while both boys pursued Tang Soo Do, a Korean martial art that traces its lineage back several centuries. This discipline is known for self-defense and the development of the mind, body and spirit. It is not a sport, but a way of life, and they had to pass 14 physical tests and some written exams on Korean history, culture, terminology and protocol. Each also had to have a note signed by parents and teachers stating he was a good chikd, brother and student before he could move on to the next belt.

They then were 10 and 14, and both achieved their black belts, in an elite group of ages 10 to 54 in the school.
The requirements for attaining their black belt for the 10-year olds are the same as they are for an adult!

They now are addressed as 'sir' and students must bow down to them.
What impressed me is that Christopher has since volunteered to instruct boys his age, and Nickolas is instructing boys 4 and 5!!

We also watched some videos of them playing football at their school this fall, with tackles and interceptions..:))

It is gratifying to watch Kevin and Susan with them, too, not harsh and strict, but still themselves playful, and thoroughly enjoying their roles.
(The parents also teach in the Sunday School classes at their church, and are involved in many things as a family.)

My best to everyone, and I'll try to post tomorrow evening.

---

It has been the most wonderful of Christmases!!

Going offline now, though....

Love to all....LadyX

[Billie]

Cal, thank you for The Little Drummer Boy (Pa rum pum pum pum - boy is that going to be rumming around in my head today now!)

[Billie]

Thanks for the music for the donkey graphic, Cal. :) Yes, a real one, Freezie. LOL! No, not a baby, dixie - in fact, he is probably about 15 years old - cute as can be, and he likes Oreo cookies. :) Spookie, we recently bought 22 acres adjoining our property, and it was a perfect place to keep him. There's shelter, and lots of grazing, and horses close by for him to 'talk' to. LOL!

[MeekOneGOP]

Thanks, Billie. Hope you have a lovely Christmas, too ! ...

[Billie]

I can imagine she is going to be thrilled, and I can imagine your anticipation of her delight when she first sees her donkey.

We're all anxious to see the look on her face when she realizes it's not just a picture of 'some donkey'! LOL

[jwfiv]

A perfect and beautiful thread you give us for Christmas, Miss Billie...thank you.

I remember the name Prang on sets of watercolor paint, and brushes...I wonder if they originated from the Mr. Prang you introduced us to today...sounds like a maybe...)

Definitely, though, I wanna wish all our Hostesses and all my friends and neighbors here at the Finest a blessed and wonderful Christmas.

"May He cause His Light to shine upon you."

[Billie]

Thank you so much for your holiday wishes, and hope that yours is the best, xp.

[Billie]

This is a beautiful thread. Thank you for taking the time to give it to us for Christmas.

Thank you, dixie! You're very special to me, and to all of us at the Finest.

[FreeTheHostages]

Even with our high expectations where your magic touch is concerned, Billie, this thread is breathtakingly designed and done. You bring so much to all of us, year in and year out, and are truly loved by one and all.

Wow, you right good. Well said.

P.S. See, TTM, I gave you a xmas gift! :) I knew it would make you smile.

[dixie sass]

Lol, that's okay! What's funny is that I was just thinking about you and Smart and StMoritz and Chesty and GRRRRR and Carollann and Antivenom and so many of the FReepers that I have met over the years.

Oh I'd love to have Chesty here to tell us some of his stories! I have been so blessed through the years with the friends that I have made here at FRee Republic.

Doubly blessed because I have met so many of them in person. Some of them are gone from here, but still remain my friends like Astonished; BadJoe and Willa. They are wonderful people who really care what is happening to this great country of ours.

Some of them are FReepers that I met at the old Firetalk and who went to Paltalk. So many wonderful memories of old and new friends.

From my heart to yours - all of you - thank you. I can't list everyone who has meant something to me but you are the tried and true. May GOD shed his blessings on each and everyone of you.

[deadhead]

Hi Billie! Today's thread is beautiful, thank you for all the work you and the other hostess's and JH2 do all year long to make this a happy home for all :-) And for all the wonderful contributions from all the Finest.

I had my card all ready, anticipating the Christmas thread, and when I saw the topic, I had to laugh...some how I must have known.

LadyX, I just love the present you received from your children, wonderful!!

P.S. My tree is all decorated and looks so pretty. Will be wrapping presents this evening. LOL, I will have to get a picture of the back of my tree to show The Thin Man, it is quite comical.

[dixie sass]

Lol, that's okay! What's funny is that I was just thinking about you and Smart and StMoritz and Chesty and GRRRRR and Carollann and Antivenom and so many of the FReepers that I have met over the years.

Oh I'd love to have Chesty here to tell us some of his stories! I have been so blessed through the years with the friends that I have made here at FRee Republic.

Doubly blessed because I have met so many of them in person. Some of them are gone from here, but still remain my friends like Astonished; BadJoe and Willa. They are wonderful people who really care what is happening to this great country of ours.

Some of them are FReepers that I met at the old Firetalk and who went to Paltalk. So many wonderful memories of old and new friends.

From my heart to yours - all of you - thank you. I can't list everyone who has meant something to me but you are the tried and true. May GOD shed his blessings on each and everyone of you.

[Billie]

Merry Christmas,Miss Libby!

[deadhead]

Blessings for you dixie. Yes, many wonderful folks here at Free Republic.

One of these days, I will scan the photo I have of you at the Freeper Inaugural Ball and freep mail it to you :-)

[Billie]

Dear Maggie, you are such a treasure! Thank you for all the beautiful words of friendship and encouragement and praise you heap upon us all here in the Finest Family. We love ya, Maggie Malone!

[deadhead]

Beautiful picture, jwfiv. Merry Christmas!

[Billie]

Thank you, EV, for the Continuing Christmas Story - what an amazing reason we have to celebrate Christmas Day, every year.