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.
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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.

[MeekOneGOP]

Did you have a good Christmas?

Yes, thanks ! It was nice. Ying and I went to my cousins for Christmas lunch. Met my Dad and other relatives there.

When we got there, my cousin was cooking a fried buzzard. It was delicious too ! Have you ever had fried buzzard, Pippin ?? ...

[Billie]

Dutchess, I've hardly seen you lately - it's going to get better.....isn't it?! I miss you! Your tree and the setting is gorgeous - look at that snow and all those great windows - a Winter Wonderland for sure. (You did the vignette and the lettering, didn't you?! I love it!)

[Pippin]

Fried buzzard?

Never had it

didn't think you could eat a buzzard.

(is this a Texas thing?)

[Billie]

So glad you have had time to spend with us, Victoria - your contributions have added so much beauty to this Christmas thread.

[MeekOneGOP]

They have a computer at the coffee shop and let you Freep there ? Cool ! :O)

[Billie]

Dear Giz, you are so adorable! Hope you got lots of chew sticks in your stocking yesterday. :) I know there were visions of Codee all around.

[Billie]

I hope your Christmas was and is blessed, BIS. Thank you for joining us here.

[Pippin]

Yep! :O)

But it's only limited time :O(

[Billie]

Oh yum Ms. Billie. We're on our way! (and Giz is bringing a special treat for Roscoe) Well...okay...we'll just enjoy the cyber version of your Christmas dinner!

LOL! Roscoe says Thanks!

BTW...can't wait to hear how the story when Mr. B's niece first meets her new donkey! How very special... Merry Christmas friend!

She came out yesterday morning and brushed him for an hour - and no telling how many Oreos she fed him! Back for dinner at 5, but the first thing she did was go see him before coming in the house!

[Billie]

I loved all your posts!God Bless!

Great posts here - beautiful graphics and messages from all. Thank you, Meg. ((((((((((Meg)))))))))))

[Billie]

Have loved the Christmas music and pictures you've posted. Thank you, dear Sistah!

[MeekOneGOP]

Fried buzzard? Never had it. didn't think you could eat a buzzard. (is this a Texas thang?)

ROFL !! Just kidding ! When I got there some of my cousins were standing around a pot that my cousin was cooking the 'buzzard' in. We walked up I told him it smelled great ! He told me he was making a fried buzzard ! My cousin is a big kidder and he asked me if I'd ever had fried buzzard before. So I went along with it, and told him I hadn't but it sure smelled great, etc. (I knew he was 'pulling my leg' all along). It was turkey, Pippin.

And it really was delicious too ! I have heard of fried turkey before but don't think I have eaten any before. Really good !! Yum !

[Billie]

Thank you, Papa Bear, and hope your Christmas was the Merriest!

[The Mayor]

Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. —Revelation 1:7

The birth of Christ brought God to man; the cross of Christ brings man to God.

[Pippin]

LOL!!!!!

What a relief!

[Billie]

It's 2nd Christmas day here now.

It's now the 2nd day of Christmas here. :) Hope yours was just the best!

[The Mayor]

December 26, 2003

The Complete Story

Read: Revelation 1:1-8

Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. —Revelation 1:7

Bible In One Year: Revelation 1-3

---

At this time of year we think about the birth of the Savior. The events of His birth are of vital importance, yet we would do well to reflect also on His earthly ministry, sacrificial death, resurrection, ascension, and promised return. Our redemption would be incomplete if any element were missing. It is fitting, therefore, to share with you a poem by L. W. Beckley titled, "The Rest of the Story."

We are wont to sing of shepherds
And the heavenly glory bright,
Of angels and their message
On that peaceful, holy night.

But so oft we end the story
When 'tis only just begun,
For we fail to give the message
That this Child is God the Son.

Here to give Himself a ransom,
Crucified on Calvary's tree,
Through His blood providing pardon,
Perfect cleansing, full and free.

And the tomb, thank God, is empty;
Jesus sits at God's right hand
Now a loving, mighty Savior;
Spread the news to every land!

The One born in Bethlehem was none other than God in human flesh. Having lived a perfect life, He died an awful death to pay the price for the sins of mankind. Now He's in heaven, and any day He could return. How wonderful to know the complete story! —Richard De Haan

The birth of Christ brought God to man;
the cross of Christ brings man to God.

[Pippin]

Gotta go now!

My half hour is up!

"SEEYA" later!

[Billie]

Good morning, Meekie - I would love to 'send' you some leftovers lol - want that food out of this house! (especially the desserts!)

Have had deep-fried turkey before, too. It's very good (but would surely hate for some of that hot oil to splash on someone - YIKES!)

[Billie]

Dessert on the way. :)