Friday, December 25, 2009

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

The History of the Christmas Card

As I was searching for inspirational Christmas stories, I came across the "History of the Christmas Card" which I found quite interesting. I thought others might find this history interesting too. The web page source: www.allthingschristmas.com/xmas-cards.php



THE HISTORY OF THE CHRISTMAS CARD

The tradition of sending Christmas cards begun in 1843 – about the same time as the first Christmas seal was published. The first Christmas card was produced in England, and the idea was well-received, because the following year, more than 25,000 Christmas cards were sold. However, the first Christmas card provoked controversy in certain circles in England, because the Christmas card pictured a company of people touching glasses and saying “Merry Christmas”. Putting alcohol and holy Christmas in one picture did not please the English citizens then.

For more than thirty years, Americans had to import greeting cards from England. In 1875, German immigrant to the U.S. Louis Prang, opened a lithographic shop with $250, and published the first line of U.S. Christmas cards. His initial creations featured birds and flowers, unrelated to the Christmas scene. By 1881, Prang was producing more than 5 million Christmas cards per year.


Today, Christmas cards come in all shapes and sizes -- from small and simple to big and colorful. The big American producer of Christmas cards, Hallmark, employs a whole army of Christmas card designers who produce new Christmas cards every season. The most popular cards are the old fashioned and nostalgic ones with sledges and pixies, and a big, chubby Santa Clause in a red and white coat.
Since the Internet became widespread in the middle of the 90’s, sending electronic Christmas cards became the trend.

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Thank You David Foster for Discovering Josh Groban

As I sit here on Sunday morning, December 20th, I am listening to the fabulous voice of Josh Groban. I am absolutely loving his Christmas CD NOEL. What a superb voice, very soothing, spiritual and uplifting. I couldn't make it to church this morning and I am a firm believer things happen for a reason. I am feeling the movement of the Holy Spirit and the true meaning of Christmas - the birth of our Lord Saviour Jesus Christ.

Track 6 "Thankful" brings it home for me. This is a message for every single person living on this planet. Regardless of our individual backgrounds and circumstances there is a place we are all connected, and each of us can find each other's light.

What a powerful statement - and so true!


Here are the lyrics to
THANKFUL
(click the link to go to Josh's website to hear a sample of the song)
















Somedays we forget

To look around us
Somedays we can't see
The joy that surrounds us
So caught up inside ourselves
We take when we should give.

So for tonight we pray for
What we know can be.
And on this day we hope for
What we still can't see.
It's up to us to be the change
And even though we all can still do more
There's so much to be thankful for.

Look beyond ourselves
There's so much sorrow
It's way too late to say
I'll cry tomorrow
Each of us must find our truth
It's so long overdue

So for tonight we pray for
What we know can be
And every day we hope for
What we still can't see
It's up to us to be the change
And even though we all can still do more
There's so much to be thankful for.

Even with our differences
There is a place we're all connected
Each of us can find each other's light

So for tonight we pray for
What we know can be
And on this day we hope for
What we still can't see
It's up to us to be the change


David Foster discovered Josh Groban - and I am thankful for this discovery. Every single album Josh produces is very moving and uplifting.

At this time, I would like to express my thanks and gratitude to all of my clients, strategic partners, suppliers, family, friends, colleagues and associates. It has been a pleasure doing business with you and spending time with you. I am very thankful to have each of you in my life. I wish you a very Merry Christmas! Enjoy this Holiday Season, and remember:


THERE IS SO MUCH TO BE THANKFUL FOR!

Sunday, December 13, 2009

This little tree is one of my favorite Christmas decorations

Saturday, December 12, 2009