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!

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[WVNan]

Oh, I'm so glad you're still here Sistah. Sorry you have to go, but happy to say I love you and have a restful night.

[WVNan]

MERRY CHRISTMAS Mo1. Hope you have been blessed by the spirit of the Christ Child.

[LadyX]

Mo, again, I'm so sorry this is a difficult holiday for you with the loss of your mother Tuesday.

Our comforts, though, are her triumphs in this life, and the joy of knowing where she is now, truly Home...

Thank you for taking the time to be among caring friends.
You are much loved and respected by us here at The Finest.

[WVNan]

My thoughts exactly Maggie. Mo, I expressed my prayers for you on another thread Wednesday, but in case you missed it, I pray that you will find peace and comfort in knowing where your Mom is now. This is a difficult time of year to lose loved ones. I know.

[Mo1]

I pray that you will find peace and comfort in knowing where your Mom is now. This is a difficult time of year to lose loved ones. I know.

Knowing mom is in a better place and in God's arms is very comforting .. she is at peace now and no longer in pain.

I will always have her memories and I know her spirit is not far from me.

Thank you both for all your prayers

[WVNan]

I know her spirit is not far from me.

You can depend on that Mo. Love is stronger than death. I'll say goodnight now. It's late and it's been a long day. A good day, but long. God bless.

[Victoria Delsoul]

Thank you, Nan. Same to you.

[Victoria Delsoul]

Hi Frank.

[Mo1]

Sweet Dreams Nan

[Eagle9]

Merry Christmas, Dixie !!!]

May you have a Healthy, Happy, and Prosperous New Year !!

[MeekOneGOP]

Mornin', everybody ! Happy Friday ! Happy Boxing Day !!

[Pippin]

(((MEEKIE)))!

Did you have a good Christmas?

[Pippin]

GOD MORNING EVERYBODY!!!!

I'm here at a local coffeeshop. but I opnly have 1/2 hour here so I might be gone by the time anyone reads this.

I just wanted to let y'all know to have a great day! :O)

[lonestar]

I think I might dog-nap Giz.

[Pippin]

Howdy, (((Star)))!

[Billie]

Hope that everyone had a most wonderful Christmas and that many are still enjoying being with your family and loved ones. I start 'undecorating' today, and before the weekend is over, all the lights and garlands and everything will be back in boxes, waiting to be brought out again in 345 days. :)

[Pippin]

((((BILLIE)))!!!

[Billie]

Dubya, your post to all yesterday was such a beautiful and moving message, and I know it came straight from your heart. You are a wonderful person, and we are thankful for you at the Finest.

[Pippin]

AMEN!!!!

[Billie]

Reading this thread, Billie, and seeing the exchanges among so many loving persons brings to mind the wonderful gifts God and you continue to give us all - the Finest indeed, week in and week out.

The outpouring of love we've seen on this thread alone fills my heart and makes me smile all over. We have so much to be thankful for.

A heartfelt Thank You is due each Hostess and contributor.

That includes you, dear Maggie Malone - big time!