"Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before! What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a Store? What if Christmas....perhaps....means a little bit more?"
"I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year,". Charles Dickens.
"My idea of Christmas whether old-fashioned or modern, is very simple ... loving others. Come to think of it, why do we have to wait for Christmas to do that?" Bob Hope.
"He who has not Christmas in his heart, will never find it under a tree." Roy L. Smith.
Did you know that the custom of sending Christmas Cards was started right here in the U.K. in 1843. The very first Christmas Card had three panels - the two side panels showed people caring for the poor, and the central panel showed a family enjoying their Christmas dinner.
Christmas Cards didn't appear in America until the late 1840's, but, because of printing costs, they were very expensive and not many people could afford them. It wasn't until 1915 that John C Hall, and two of his brothers, created Hallmark Cards, who we all know today as one of the largest card makers around. Here are a just a few of the pretty Christmas stamps that have been produced each year, here in the United Kingdom.
I must admit, I have always loved browsing through cards, and I love sending them, even if it is only to let people know that I am thinking of them. I just think it's lovely to take the time to do this. In this electronic age, I still get a thrill from receiving a card or letter in the post!
So, once again this year, I will be waiting for the Christmas Cards to pop through the letterbox and enjoy trying to guess who each one is from, by the writing on the envelope.
Meanwhile, here is a little card from me to you, wherever you may be in the world.
The above images are all courtesy of Pinterest.com
I thought I would finish today by sharing a photo, taken by me, of an old fashioned Christmas at the magnificent Saltram House, a National Trust property very close to where I live. The new header photo at the top of my Blog today, was taken last week at Dartington Gardens.
Toodle pip for now 🎄
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10 comments:
Some great quotes and equally great vintage cards. I hope you're having a lovely weekend.
Diana
Hi Diana. Gosh, you were quick with your comment today. The post was hot off the press!! Thank you so much for dropping by.
As always I know I can count on you my dear and sweet friend to give us the truth and explanation about things that we need to know about and in such a lovely way. Your blog posts are always an absolute joy to my being. The only thing I regret as I am typing this is that there is so much water between you and I. Oh how I would love to give you my friend a tight and loving hug during this lovely season. Knowing you and your lovely family has meant so much to me for years now. Take care of your lovely self and when you run into that wonderful grand daughter that you know I love, give her a warm hug from Odie across the "pond". Merry Christmas
Odie
Hello Odie. You are always far too sweet and kind to me, you know! But I'm glad you enjoy the posts. I do try to keep them fairly light and cheerful, for I fear there is enough aggressiveness all around us in the world today. Thank you for always being such a support - I truly do appreciate it. Look after yourself my friend. ❤️
I love your header photo and your last photo. The Christmas stamps from the UK are simply unique and beautiful. I had not ever seen any like them. It's very good to know about the first Christmas cards, I love looking at cards, and making my own cards. I did work for Hallmark Cards at the main plant in Kansas City after I graduated from High School. I stayed there for 5 years before moving to Texas. It was an exciting place to work, and I would work there again!
This is a beautiful post, Thisisme. My favorite quote is from the Grinch. He's right, isn't he? Maybe Christmas doesn't come from at store! ♥ Have a great week!
Hi there Suzanne. Thank you for popping all the way across the pond on this Sunday. Fancy you working for Hallmark, and for quite a while too. I'm glad you enjoyed the post. The stamps each year are a work of art in themselves really. The Grinch is priceless, isn't he?! Hope you have a good week my friend.
An interesting post, thanks for sharing Diane. xx
Hi Linda. Good to see you. Thanks for dropping by xx
I am in need of holiday cheer and reading this post definitely gave me some. I didn't know about the history of Christmas cards so it was interesting to know that. I also love the stamp of the birds carrying cards and letters to the mailbox. Beautiful design. My favorite quote of all though is definitely from The Grinch! I love him and have watched that show every year since I was a little girl. Even the movie with Jim Carey was fun to watch. So I thank you for spreading the cheer to me across the pond! Hugs
Hi Bee Bee! It is my job to bring you good cheer!! That stamp with the birds was delightful, wasn't it, and, as you say, the Grinch is terrific. So good to see you here 🎄😊
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