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!

Opinions by our own 'King of Ping' The guy's good, folks!

Thanks, Mixer!

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[Billie]

[Billie]

[Aeronaut]

Good morning Billie.

[Billie]

Morning! Today's thread will be here thru Sunday for anyone who wants to drop in to say Merry Christmas or just hello. :)

[RaceBannon]

Posted with permission from the management::

Folks, our friends at Vietnam Veterans For Truth have done a wonderful job this year. They are the people who held the KERRY LIED rally in Washington DC, where many Freepers attended.

The folks at http://www.kerrylied.com are having some trouble, though. Through their attempts to educate the public about John Kerry and his slander of Vietnam Veterans, they have run up some operating costs that are over their budget.



You may mail a personal check (no corporate checks are permitted) to Vietnam Vets for the Truth, PO Box 49, Mt. Vernon, VA 22121.

Federal laws require that the name, address, occupation, and employer name be included with your contribution.

For credit card or Paypal contributions, press here:

PAYPAL link to donate to the Vietnam Veterans for Truth

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr

It would be the Christmassy thing to do!

ALSO, send out something to Don and Cindy Adams!
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1298998/posts

[SheLion]

Merry Christmas Billie! Everyone!

[T'wit]

Billie! I am shocked! This is all quite politically incorrect and beautiful. Even as I write, if you look out your window, you will see Scrooge, Mr. Grinch and the ACLU demonstrating on your front lawn and chanting, "No more Christmas!"

(No, I take it back, Scrooge and Mr. Grinch found the Christmas spirit after all! Nowadays it's only the liberals and the ACLU trying to steal Christmas.)

Merry Christmas!

[.45MAN]

Good morning Billie!! This is a Beautiful page this morning for a Wonderful subject..........

[dansangel]

Wow.......

Just when I think you've *outdone* yourself, you come along and create something even more exquisite.

I *love* the visuals, of course - but I am also fascinated by the history of the Christmas Card. I've never heard that story before and it is a wonderful one.

I'll be back later to post my Christmas greetings to all. We need to get out of the house for a while to let the cobwebs clear.

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

[Eaker]

Beautiful thread!!!

Merry Christmas Billie!!!

[Temple Owl]

Good morning and Merry Christmas to FReepers everywhere.

[phancypants]

Merry Christmas to everyone!!
Here in central Ohio, we're all snowed in!
It is a winter wonderland...just in time to celebrate Christmas.

[dutchess]

Hi sistah billie. What a lovely lovely thread. The presentaton is esquisite!!! (and I agree with everyone that it's nice to see Christ in Christmas)

We're snowed in...our county is declared a level 3 emergency which means its illegal to be on the roads except in emergencies. But we have electricity, food, water, and it is very beautiful. Will try to post some pictures later.

[The Mayor]

December 23, 2004

Celebrate The Baby

Read: Luke 2:8-14

There is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. —Luke 2:11

Bible In One Year: Nahum 1-3; Revelation 14

---

Why do we celebrate Jesus' birthday so differently from other birthdays? When it's time to honor historical figures who have a day set aside for them, we don't think about them as babies. We don't have pictures of cute little Abe Lincoln in his log cabin in Kentucky. No, we remember him for his contributions as an adult.

It is proper, though, that we celebrate Jesus as a child. Think about it. When He was born, shepherds came to honor Him (Luke 2:15-16). Later, wise men from the East brought Him gifts (Matthew 2:8-12). These people had no idea what Christ would eventually accomplish as an adult. But they were right in doing what they did, because Jesus' birth was the most remarkable event in human history.

How amazing! God in human form. The Creator of the universe visiting this planet. Let's never hesitate to celebrate this baby at Christmas. Marvel at His incarnation. Stand in awe of the tiny baby who had created His worshipers. Then step back in wonder, for the story gets even better. This baby grew into manhood, lived a perfect life, and willingly died for your sins and mine.

Celebrate the baby and trust the Savior. That's how to make Christmas complete. —Dave Branon

How wonderful that we on Christmas morn,
Though centuries have passed since Christ was born,
May worship still the Living Lord of men,
Our Savior, Jesus, Babe of Bethlehem. —Hutchings

Wise men today worship not only the Child of Bethlehem, but also the Man of Calvary.

[Pippin]

GOOD MORNING EVERYBODY!

God bless all who post and lurk at Free Republic and on all it's threads!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL !

Peace and Joy to the world!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS!!!

[Conspiracy Guy]

Happy Birthday Jesus.

Merry Christmas to you and yours.

Merry Christmas to all.

[DollyCali]

Billie,This is just lovely.. and informative - I never knew the facts of history of greeting cards for Christmas. I linked it to the last DollyHumor which will go out tomorrow (if we have power). You find (or do you make them ?) the neatest graphics

we're snowed in in Northern Ohio too phancy.. thigh high fallen in driveway when I took out O at 5 AM. and it is still coming down. windy & very cold. Many areas have lost their power..we so far are lucky. There are a long of huge evergreen limbs fallen in yard. weight of snow & ice atop & more snow... The airport for now is inoperable...flights all canceled or delayed.

no biking today I guess. lol nor cross country skiing, as the van is buried in driveway

I know a big part of country is under bad weather.. makes traveling so treacherous. for those needing to go someplace or waiting for their loved ones.

[kassie]

A beautiful opening.

[GailA]

Good morning, it rained, it sleeted and finally it snowed yesterday. Memphis is a MESS.

[Aquamarine]

Beautiful Post Billie. Love the Christmas tree with the signatures at the end, thanks for including mine.

I know you played this song on your Hawaii Post last week but I'm playing it again today since it's so upbeat...(the Bing Crosby version).

Mele Kalikimaka

...it means

to you.

[Eaker]

Merry

* Christmas *

[Gabz]

How beautiful.

Merry Christmas to all the Finest!!!!!!

[Gabz]

Merry Christmas, dear Sir.

And Happy Birthday to our Savior.

[Billie]

Good morning, daybreakcoming (your screenname is really beautiful); I heard that you are having a wedding anniversary tomorrow, and your husband can't be with you because he is in Iraq. I know it must be a terribly lonely Christmas AND anniversary without him right there with you, but hope you have a lovely Christmas with family this year. I would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and an Anniversary wish you can save for February when he gets home. :)

[Texagirl4W]

So very beautiful, Billie. My wish for everyone is that you have a very blessed, happy, safe CHRISTmas. I will be leaving shortly for vacation and might not be back here until Tuesday. Lots of catching up to do then.

[MEG33]

"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."

Lovely sentiments, beautiful thread!..I loved the history of Christmas card,too!

Wishing all of the Finest a blessed Christmas

[phancypants]

Franklin and Delaware county (where I work and live respectively) were under level 3 emergencies when I woke up. My boss called and said not to bother coming in! So it's a delightfully unexpected 4-day-weekend!
My mom lives about 10 miles south of me, and she has no power. THANK GOD we didn't lose ours.
A friend of mine is shoveling for me since I have such a bad back and the ice is too heavy. Plus, it's a big driveway...
I feel so bad for the people I see on the news who are trying to get a flight home for Christmas. If we were allowed to drive in our city, I would love to go down to the airport and try to help them out. My grandparents are the kind of people who would always take in strangers for Christmas who had no where to go and make them feel welcome. I want to be like them!

[DollyCali]

I hope you keep your power. I feel happy to have roof over head, power, heat & a lot of food to fall back on . If power goes out, will cuddle with my pooch & take a long nap

[Jersey Republican Biker Chick]

God Bless Our Troops and Merry Christmas to all of the brave soldiers.

Tonight on WWE Smackdown, they are showing the wrestling from Iraq. The WWE wrestlers went to perform for the troops to boost their moral for the holidays. It airs 8:00 p.m. EST. I watched last year and is was uplifting to see the smiles on the troops faces when interacting with the wrestlers. They really enjoyed the show. There was some great behind the scenes footage as well. Even if you are not a wrestling fan, it may be worth watching.

[Darksheare]

I'm here.
Merry Christmas.

We've got a line of rain, and some thunderstorms coming.
And tonight's low temp will be 27F.

Icy conditions tonight.

[Pippin]

It's coming to Maryland too, ugh!

[Darksheare]

Saw that on the 1200 mile radar.
UGH.

No, that should rightly be "UNNNGH!"

[MeekOneGOP]

Merry Christmas!!

[Pippin]

I think it's already started!

We are getting rain right now.

[MEG33]

My son in law got caught in the Dallas snow and sleet on his trip there this week...Brrrr it's cold outside.

[Gabz]

it's currently 61, but overcast in my little corner of Virginia (Eastern shore) but the bottome is supposed to start falling out of the temps overnight.

Schools were cancelled here on Monday because of icy roads.

[LUV W]

What a cheery thread to keep us company during the last few days till Christmas! Hope Santa gets to everyone's homes without problems!

[Billie]

Thanks for posting this information, Race.

[Darksheare]

Rain here as well, since sometime this morning before 6.

[Billie]

Good morning, SheLion, I love that kitty! What a face. :)

Happy Holidays!

[Billie]

Billie! I am shocked! This is all quite politically incorrect and beautiful. Even as I write, if you look out your window, you will see Scrooge, Mr. Grinch and the ACLU demonstrating on your front lawn and chanting, "No more Christmas!"

LOL as I thank you for your compliment! Let's see if I can find a graphic that meets with *their* approval. :)

[LUV W]

This from West Texas: we had snow yesterday, and it looks like some more snow is creeping down from the Amarillo area and might be here by this afternoon. Now, we don't get a White Christmas very often, so it could be kinda nice--if everyone will stay safe!

[Billie]

Good morning Billie!! This is a Beautiful page this morning for a Wonderful subject..........

Thank you, Dan - we try to do the real meaning of Christmas as our last Christmas thread for the year, after cute snowmen and Santas and stuff. :) Hope you and Dansy have the very best Christmas back in Florida this year and that next year will see good things fall in place one after the other.

[Pippin]

erch!

[lysie]

Beautiful, Billie.

[Billie]

Thank you, Dansy, for being part of our sistahhood since 'almost' the beginning! And thanks for the "Wow".... :)

This is mostly a repost from last Christmas, but like Lori did with her Thanksgiving thread, I changed a background and updated the *signatures* at the end of the opening post.

[The Mayor]

Hi Gabz

Merry Christmas to you!
and Thank you!

[Billie]

Thank you, Eaker! And Merry Christmas!

[Gabz]

You're excused..................LOL!!!

[Billie]

Merry Christmas to everyone's favorite owl. :)