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.

[WVNan]

Yep, the warmer weather will be welcome for sure. I guess I'll have to hit it again tomorrow. Today has been a lazy day and one that I needed. Hope you have recovered from the busyness of the holidays too dear Sistah.

[SpookBrat]

Thank you all for your kind words. I'm not as sad as I could be. I'm glad he isn't suffering any more. Tim has a job this Christmas and my sister just found out she's pregnant with her first baby (due on my birthday), so there is a lot to be happy about this Christmas season.

Nana, you are so right. I had the same thought about Christmas being such a nice day to meet God. I'm happy for him.

I'll probably be more sad once I get there and see him in a casket. My aunt said Jonah could help with the pallbearers. That's so sweet. I'll be so proud of him up there with my brother and all the big boy cousins helping. Also, he will be buried with his P.T. Boat cap, the one he never left the house without. LOL

Well, I'll be in touch. Pray for no ice or snow. If someone sees Donaeus, tell her I'm coming. I can't get a hold of her. And T.C., I can't wait to see the Horned Toad. I'm so excited.

Love and blessings for a safe New Year.

[SpookBrat]

You know, I've been noticing that. All the daughters, granddaughters, and great granddaughters look like her. Thank you for the sweet compliment. I'll tell her. :) (((hugs)))

[LadyX]

Still aglow from the visit by two children, d-i-l, and five grandchildren, and long call from the other son.

All Is Well With My Soul, Nan...and I know how you must feel, anticipating the wee one in the summer!

[SpookBrat]

"Ordinary people have extraordinary love....."

They were the cutest couple. I hope I have lasting love like that with my husband. Grandma sat in his lap, they always kissed and held hands every where they went.

When I get back, I'm going to type out his Pacific war stories and post them in the Foxhole. I'll be sure to ping you.

Looking forward to see you...

[LadyX]

Oh, Little One - I sent a card to you last night and it was not deliverable at the e-mail address you gave me..:((

Was going to write at length, but since you will be leaving right away, I'll wait until your return.
Do give me the correct e-mail addy then.
God bless you and watch over you and Ally and Jonah...

{{{{{ Hugs }}}}}

[SpookBrat]

Nana, how is the baby? I can hardly WAIT! :)

[deadhead]

"WE WILL REMEMBER THE PRICE OF FREEDOM, AND ALL THOSE WHO SOUGHT TO ENSURE IT ~ ~ ~ "

Thank You, LadyX for this posting A Different "Night Before Christmas" . Wonderful post this fine Christmas Season!

[Victoria Delsoul]

Glad to see you're doing OK, Spooky. I'll be praying for you.

[deadhead]

Prayers for a safe trip for you and yours. Gosh, Spookbrat...I was thinking, after I saw your post about your Granpa, that your Granpa has given you the one thing you really wanted for Christmas, you will be together with your family. God works in mysterious ways, my Mom always told me that. Blessings to all of you. Your Granpa is now with your Granma in Heaven and smiling down on you.

Take Care and God Bless

Colleen

[MeekOneGOP]

I got a call from my cousin yesterday afternoon and found out that our cousin
in the Seattle, Washington area passed away on Christmas Day too.

So sad, especially for his Mom (my Mom's sister) that she had to endure this
on the holiday. :O(

Anyway, he's in a better place now.

Rest in peace, cousin Troy ...

[LadyX]

Thank you for the greeting from Miss Lucy!
So glad she looks happy and healthy...

{{{{{ Colleen and Lucy }}}}}

[TexasCowboy]

I'm looking forward to seeing you, too, Spookie!

You be real careful, now!

[deadhead]

You're Welcome :-) ((((Hugs)))) for you my friend. I received a digital camera for Christmas and I just had to post the pic of Lucy. She is doing very well. Funny story, I bought two animated deer for the lawn this year, well...Lucy seems to think they are "real" LOL, I thought my pup was smarter then that!

[Aquamarine]

Have been gone all day (still doing Christmas at my in-laws) and it seemed like I'd never catch up with my pings. Did read them all and saw where Spooky lost her beloved grandfather. He sounds like he was a real gem, Spook. May God comfort you and your family through this time of mourning.

Enjoyed the time spent here with you all over the past few days, you're all just priceless people and I love you all.
Kept forgetting to give credit to deadhead for finding the glowing star in my Christmas Music post and to Spookbrat for finding that wonderful Christmas wave site for me last year. Thanks again you two!

[deadhead]

Prayers for your cousin Troy and his loved ones. I am very sorry.

[deadhead]

Hi Aqua, no need to give me credit. Was happy to have found it when you were looking for the star.

Merry Christmas!

[WVNan]

Spooky, I think you will have good weather for your trip. It looks pretty good for the next few days. Be safe and God go with you.

[MeekOneGOP]

Thank you ! :O)

[Aquamarine]

As you saw it fit the post perfectly and saved me alot of time, which is so valuable this time of year.