A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....12-23,24,25,26-04...Let Us Rejoice (Our Christmas Thread)

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 12-20-04 Military Monday 12-21-04 Welcome Home, Allegra 12-22-04 Deck The Finest Halls!

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[The Mayor]

Merry Christmas Cuz!

Hope to see you after the guests leave.
God Bless!

[The Mayor]

LOL, he wouldn't let you live it down.

I on the other hand am a forgiving person..

[LadyX]

Evenin' Mayor!

"Yup and here it is <
darn thing ran away, but I caught it.."

No doubt that is the work of the Letter Thief!!

In the spirit of Christmas, he no doubt "needed it" to give to some poor soul with only a > -- ya think?

Merry Christmas, O Letter Thief --

[Kitty Mittens]

Hi, dear Lady! Sending you Hugs and Love in our Lord!

(((((((Maggie)))))))

[The Mayor]

I didn't think of that, you are probably correct on that one!!

[LadyX]

Oh, Miss Mittens -- we're actually here at the SAME TIME!!

God's blessings to you and your husband and whatever assortment of little critters you now have..:))

{{Hugs for all of you }}}

[Kitty Mittens]

Thank you, sweet Maggie!

Right now, I just have the cute squirrels and beautiful birds outside that I Love to watch, but hope to have another Kitty (or even several Kitties soon!)

Merry Christmas, my Lady!

[Jersey Republican Biker Chick]

Merry Christmas Billie, I am watching the WWE in Iraq right now. The Troops are really enjoying themselves. It is nice to see them smile. They are giving some of them some camera time to tell some personal stories and share their feelings. It is a really nice thing that the WWE and USO are doing for the troops.

[Billie]

Evening, Miss Kitty - I've had several interruptions today to take me away from answering my pings. Thank you for your beautiful post. We're very glad you are here. Merry Christmas to you - I hope it's a wonderful one.

[Billie]

LOL - that's so cute! You know, looks like he'd lose some of those extra pounds he carries around his middle, with all that weight he has to lift. :)

[Kitty Mittens]

Thank you, dear Billie! Merry Christmas!

(((((((Billie)))))))

[Billie]

Dear Lori, it has been such fun having you be my sistah from the very beginning. We've seen a lot of changes and yet here we are, both still here! Thanks for all the great times and the long *talks* we've had! Love you! Have a wonderful Christmas weekend.

[Billie]

I made that Almond Lemon Pound Cake recipe you posted. I baked it in a bundt pan and put a lemon glaze over it. It is WONDERFUL! It has earned a place in my recipe box. Thank you so much! :-)

Try spooning a little blackberry sauce on it and add ice cream! Yummmmmm! (ok, we had it tonight! LOL Didn't wait until Saturday)

[Billie]

Merry Christmas, Sync! That's Marissa, isn't it? She is the cutest thing!

Merry Christmas, ya'll!

[Billie]

Oh, how cute your greeting is! Thanks - it's great to hear from an Aussie!

[luvie]

LOL!!!! And here he is again!!

[Billie]

Oh, I think you're gonna need a size 12 stocking ... )

Oh, boy! I like the sound of that.... :)

[Billie]

I hope you're feeling better by Saturday. :( If you weren't taking antibiotics, a hot toddy does the trick! At least it makes you 'think' it's working. :)

[Diva Betsy Ross]

Happy Anniversary Daybreakcoming. I am thinking of you right now. My prayers for your Hubby- where ever he is. I hope you have a nice Christmas.

[deadhead]

Beautiful thread, Billie