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]

Merry Christmas. May GOD help us all to celebrate the season, each to his/her own beliefs.

[dixie sass]

Hey! How'd you get on the Calendar skating with Santa! Merry Christmas, Free and a wonderful, safe New Year.

[dixie sass]

Thank you, Yer Honor for the Christmas gift of inspiration that you give us each and every day along with the best coffee.

What a wonderful way to start the day with the Finest!

Love and Hugs to you and yours.

[Mama_Bear]

(but whur's thu brownie?;>0)

I keep telling ya', it's in the mail.....the mailman is probably enjoying your brownie as I type. LOL. :0)

Mummy Bur wishes you and your ladyinred the beary best Christmas ever.

[Aeronaut]

...you going to stay grounded tomorrow?

Hi Dixie. I might make a quick pass or two tomorrow, but I'll be doing the family thing most of the day. (Church is tonight)

[Mama_Bear]

Hi Dixie. Wishing you and yours a bright and beautiful Christmas. (((((((((dixie sass))))))))))

[dixie sass]

Kayak, how lovely - what a perfect blending of the two sides of the season!

Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year to you and Mr. Kayak. Please tell him hello for me.

Dixie

[dixie sass]

Merry Christmas Temple Owl.

[dixie sass]

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

[Mama_Bear]

Hello friend! Christmas cheer and Blessings to you and yours. ((((((((((Syncro)))))))))))

[FreeTheHostages]

wow, a real one!?!

[Libertina]

LOL Wonderful photo :) I just love Americans!
Warm greetings to all Finest friends
on Christmas Eve day :)
God bless us, every one.
(Thank you Lord)

[dixie sass]

The picture on the Christmas Card reminds me of the Italian religious paintings. It's beautiful, TTM.

I hope that you have a wonderfully delightful and laughter filled Christmas.

Hugs and a Smooch for you!

[LadyX]

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.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts, and may God reward you in every aspect of your life, dear friend.

What a wonderful Christmas this one is!
The Finest Family has grown with new Little Ones - new grandchildren for ladtx and HiJinx, among them - some of our loved ones in Afghanistan and Iraq are back with us, or have had leave - others are still away in the military, but close to our hearts, and always, always in our prayers.

Father God, we thank You for the abundance of blessings You have showered upon us, and for the wonderful Gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ.

May we remember to place Him in the center of our every remaining day....Amen.

A blessed Christmas to all - - -

[dixie sass]

Oh Lori, that is so pretty - New Englandish looking!

[dixie sass]

Merry Christmas Spookbrat. Lots of sugar plums in y'alls dreams.

[MEG33]

Tidings of great joy!Merry Christmas

[dixie sass]

Merry Christmas Meg!

[dixie sass]

Somethings wrong with the windows media player today. I'm going to have to give it a good "what for"!

Thanks for giving us the verses. I love that song. It's a heart beat.

[LadyX]

{{{{{ Very Special Christmas Hugs }}}}}
to you and yours, SpookBrat..:))