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A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....12-23,24,25,26-04...Let Us Rejoice (Our Christmas Thread)
Billie
Posted on 12/23/2004 5:37:33 AM PST by 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. |
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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! |
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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. |
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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. |
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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". |
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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.
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Thanks, Mixer!
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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.
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TOPICS: Culture/Society; Miscellaneous; News/Current Events; Political Humor/Cartoons
KEYWORDS: christmas; freepers; fun; merrychristmas; military; patriotic; surprises; veterans
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To: ST.LOUIE1; All; The Mayor; Billie; dutchess; Mama_Bear; Aquamarine; Pippin; LadyX; Diver Dave; ...
Again, *Merry Christmas* to all on FR and especially the Finest.
The priest spoke of this story at Mass earlier today because tonight is the 90th anniversary:
From the website http://www.alittlechristmasmagic.com/Christmas_Truc.html
The Christmas Truce of 1914-
The "great war" had been raging for nearly five months when Christmastime rolled around. For the soldiers on the front lines, their homes were deep trenches cut into the ground, filled with knee-deep sticky mud. Many soldiers on both sides of the battle lines were covered with it from head to toe.
Soldiers had to keep their heads low, because at all times the enemy snipers were watching, and would shoot at anything that appeared in their scope. The closer to Christmas it got, the more sporadic the rifle fire became, as if on both sides, they were simply ready for a break. On Christmas Eve. 1914 the first hard freeze settled over the ground, which was welcomed by the soldiers because at last the mud was solid.
Thoughts of the soldiers turned to their families, tucked away safely in their beds. The soldiers settled down in their bunks with letters from their loved ones, pictures, and if they were lucky, gifts. While the cold air blew in around them, they turned their faces into their coats, and tried to sleep.
In the early morning hours of December 25, a thick mist settled around them. It was hard to see from one side of "No Man's Land" to the other. Suddenly a chorus of song broke the silence of the morning, and drifted up from the German trenches across the way. The startled allies were amazed to discover when they peeked their heads up to look, that the Germans had erected dozens of Christmas trees in their trenches, and had even decorated them. They listened in silence as the Germans sang "Silent Night." Stille nacht, heilige nacht
When the voices concluded and echoed away, applause rang out from the allies. The German singing had been lovely. The allies began a song of their own, and on through the night the soldiers from either side of the battlefield sang together.
When dawn broke, the Germans called out to the allies, "Come over!" The allies responded, "You first!" and tentatively, officers from either side walked out over "No Man's Land," to greet each other. A ceasefire was called, and soldiers from both sides rose out of their trenches to meet these people whom they had just been trying to kill. Some of the people could communicate with words, but others who did not know the other side's language made themselves understood as they gave each other gifts of cigarettes, clothing and food. They shared photographs of their families, and called each other "friend" for the rest of the day. They built bonfires which glowed well into the night.
Finally the long dreaded moment had come- time for each side to return to their trenches. The soldiers said goodbye to their new friends, and sank down into their muddy holes. With a heavy heart, the firing began again, and the war
continued for four more years.
You may ask, why have I told such a sad story? What good is the Christmas spirit if it only lasts such a short while? I think that it is important to remember that in the midst of all that death and chaos, the Christmas spirit was still able to reach down into the darkest pit and lift the soldiers out. The Christmas spirit has another name- Hope. It needs nothing more to survive on its own than a beating heart, and a song to sing.
Spread hope around you this Christmas. Hug and kiss your family, send a gift to a soldier overseas, give blood. The real magic of Christmas is always inside of you. Share the magic.
Story written by Britt Brundige 2003
261
posted on
12/24/2004 3:51:06 PM PST
by
dansangel
(Thank you Veterans past and present!)
To: All
To: The Mayor; All
MAY EVERYONE HERE HAVE A BLESSED CHRISTMAS FILLED WITH JOY. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH ALL OF YOU AND WITH THE BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN WHO ARE A LONG WAY FROM THEIR FAMILIES, PROTECTING OUR FREEDOMS AND OUR BELOVED AMERICA.
263
posted on
12/24/2004 4:29:53 PM PST
by
luvie
(WE DID NOT WAVER; WE DID NOT TIRE; WE DID NOT FALTER; AND WE DID NOT FAIL!! GWB ROCKS!!!!!!!!)
To: dansangel
Very touching story, Angel.
Thank you.
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU AND YOURS!
264
posted on
12/24/2004 5:22:53 PM PST
by
TexasCowboy
(Texan by birth, citizen of Jesusland by the Grace of God)
To: dansangel
Great story!!
We just finished a late dinner here- doing everything late today so we won't be too tired at midnight Mass.
A very Merry Christmas to you and .45Man!
((((dansangel))))
265
posted on
12/24/2004 5:23:08 PM PST
by
visualops
(It's easier to build a child than repair an adult.)
To: dansangel; All
Merry CHRISTmas every one.
266
posted on
12/24/2004 5:24:24 PM PST
by
GailA
(Happy Birthday JESUS! Merry CHRISTmas FRiends.)
To: dutchess; All
Merry CHRISTmas
267
posted on
12/24/2004 5:33:50 PM PST
by
GailA
(Happy Birthday JESUS! Merry CHRISTmas FRiends.)
To: GailA
268
posted on
12/24/2004 5:36:40 PM PST
by
visualops
(It's easier to build a child than repair an adult.)
To: The Mayor
To: GailA
((((Gail)))) My love and prayers are with you.... I'm having a tough time...but I have my husband...gosh... I am praying and thinking of you..
To: kassie
Hi kassie. I thought the picture was special too. Glad you enjoyed seeing it. Merry Christmas.
271
posted on
12/24/2004 6:24:07 PM PST
by
Jen
(Merry CHRISTmas!)
To: LadyX; All
Thank you for being you LadyX (-:
Wishing everyone here at the Finest a wonderful Christmas
To: LadyX
Merry Christmas dear Lady X and all those on the Few of FR finest thread. Don't have as much time as in the past to frequent this thread but I can see the joyful good work continues here. God bless you and each one who comes this way, this year, this almost Christmas Day!
273
posted on
12/24/2004 8:30:23 PM PST
by
Freedom'sWorthIt
(Pres Bush to Chilean Security stopping Agent: "He's with me." And, Mr. President, we're with YOU!)
To: Billie; All
Merry Christmas
Sam and Snippy and the Foxhole Freepers
274
posted on
12/24/2004 10:55:01 PM PST
by
SAMWolf
(A friend is a person who knows you and still likes you.)
To: SAMWolf
and me too?
Good Night Sam!
Thank you and Merry Christmas!
275
posted on
12/24/2004 10:56:22 PM PST
by
The Mayor
(let the wisdom of God check our thoughts before they leave our tongue)
To: ST.LOUIE1; Aquamarine; dutchess; Mama_Bear; dansangel; Billie; Aeronaut; deadhead; Diver Dave; ...
December 25, 2004
Hiding In Plain Sight
Read: Luke 1:26-35
You will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. Luke 1:31
Bible In One Year: Zephaniah 1-3; Revelation 16
A Baltimore congregation found the answer to their financial troubles on the wall of their church. And it had been "hiding" there for more than 25 years! Someone finally recognized a piece of art hanging in the chapelit was a valuable woodblock print by Albrecht Dürer, dated 1493. The work shows the angel telling Mary she would give birth to God's Son.
Some members just could not believe they had been unaware of the value of the old masterpiece, saying in effect, "If it were real, why would it be here?"
What about us? Are we overlooking the value of the event depicted on that woodblock print?
Jesus isn't hiding. The truth that God came to earth in human form is plainly announced in His Word. It is reflected in our art and in our hymnbooks. But the significance of Christ's birth is still neglected. We get so wrapped up in activities and programs that we miss the immeasurable worth of knowing who that Baby was.
What's missing is our worship. Think about the meaning of His birth. Jesus is God! He came to save us from our sins (Matthew 1:21) and give us eternal life (John 3:14-18).
This Christmas, join with the wisemen and shepherds and give praise to JesusGod who became Man. Mart De Haan
He left His Father's throne above,
So free, so infinite His grace!
Emptied Himself of all but love,
And bled for Adam's helpless race. Wesley
Christ's birth brought the infinite God to finite man.
276
posted on
12/25/2004 12:44:41 AM PST
by
The Mayor
(let the wisdom of God check our thoughts before they leave our tongue)
To: All; Billie; ST.LOUIE1; dutchess; dansangel; Mama_Bear; The Mayor; jwfiv; LadyX; WVNan; ...
A very Merry Christmas to my Finest Friends from Amy's Place.
277
posted on
12/25/2004 3:32:42 AM PST
by
JustAmy
(Remember our President and our troops in your prayers. God Bless America.)
To: dutchess
I was thinking of you and praying hoping we both have as good a CHRISTmas as we can. I spent most of yesterday in tears. Probably will today too. It's just me, Rocket and my youngest...when he shows up later. The weather stopped my eldest from bringing my grandson down. They have 20 inches of snow and the roads between Evansville, In and Memphis are a disaster. Southerners are NOT prepared to deal with the mess of winter weather. GOD put in on and GOD will take it off is the prevailing attitude around here. Since we don't get much winter nasty stuff we don't have the massive equipment the Northern states do to remove it.
Took me 20 mins to go to Wal-Mart yesterday..usually takes 6-7 mins.
278
posted on
12/25/2004 4:39:10 AM PST
by
GailA
(Happy Birthday JESUS! Merry CHRISTmas FRiends.)
To: GailA; dutchess
279
posted on
12/25/2004 5:04:29 AM PST
by
lonestar
(Me, too!--Weinie)
To: JohnHuang2; Billie; yall; Everybody
Merry Christmas, yall! :^D
280
posted on
12/25/2004 5:08:12 AM PST
by
MeekOneGOP
(There is only one GOOD 'RAT: one that has been voted OUT of POWER !! Straight ticket GOP! ©)
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