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Show B1 SunNews December 23. 1992 The origin of the o Christmas card o Sending Christmas cards has been a part of American holiday tradition for generations, but the practice originated in Victorian England, where personal visiting cards were embellished with seasonal designs for Christmas and New Years. The first Christmas card was created in 1 84 3 when S ir Henry Cole commissioned artist John Horsely to design illustrated holiday postcards for conveying seasonal greetings to his many friends. Apparently the idea was warmly embraced; approximately 1,000 of the newly designed postcards were sold for one shilling each. In less than thirty years the custom of exchanging Christmas cards also was incorporated into American holidays observances. In 1 870, the United States Postal Service introduced a half price rate for mailing unsealed cards, and the first American made Christmas cards were designed in Boston around that time. The earliest cards generally feature illustrations of flowers, landscapes, children or animals, but as American Christmas lore and tradi- - tions continued to evolve, the art of these seasonal postcards incorporated and reflected these changes. In fact, the Christmas postcards of the late 19th century provide a fascinating look at the portrayal of Santa Claus. In early representations, he appears in a purple outfit, a brown robe, or green coat, and in his physical representation he personifies the European tradition of St. Nicholas, O O Kris Kringle, Sinterklass, or Father Christmas more than he does our modem day image of the jolly Santa Claus. It is widely believed that American Christmas postcards, along with Clement Clarke Moores The Night Before Christmas, and Thomas Nasts drawings in Harpers Weekly magazine were pivotal in defining and standardizing the visual representation of the rotund bearded elf we now fondly know as Santa Claus. THE o o Gift Finder o o Cottage o Gingerbread Houses Mrs Mason and Mrs. Brown's classes at Salina Elementary School spent a fun time last week making Gingerbread houses. There were all kinds of houses with candy roofs, cookie doors, and lots of frosting. O RY O F - -- -- T-H-- E o N-U-- T- C-R-- C A -- K-E-R Christmas Merry POPULARITY. gingerbread army. As the Nutcracker fought, the Mouse King prepared to attack, but Clara removed her slipper and hit the mouse on the head. With their leader dead, the mouse troop fled and the Nutcracker turned into a NCE upon a time one Christmas eve, a young girls dream came magically to life. It began with the arrival of Uncle Drossel-meyewho, to the delight of the children, came bearing gifts. QUIT SMOKING. handsome prince. The Prince invited Clara to visit his kingdom, and off they went on their journey to the Kingdom of Sweets. He brought a huge nutcracker in the shape of a man with a large head. But Oh . . . it slipped out of his hands and broke. ! f American Heart Association 1992 They arrived at the Magic Castle on Sugar-PluMountain, and were greeted by the King and Queen of Snowflakes. The princes parents honored her with a royal pageantry of song and celebration. m American Heart Association Safety First at Christmas Christmas trees and lights, candles, ornaments, decorations, and fireplaces all contribute to the festive holiday atmosphere. However, consumers should be alerted to the potential hazards these items may present and taught how to select and use these products safely. The Department of Commerce offers the following tips to help keep your holidays both merry and safe. Christmas trees. Many artificial trees are fire resistant. If you buy one, look for a statement specifying this protection. If you choose a real tree, perform a few simple tests to make sure the tree is fresh. A fresh tree is green. Fresh needles are hard to pull from the branches. When bent between your fingers, fresh needles dont break. The needles of a fresh tree wont fall off when the tree is bounced on the ground. Keep the tree away from fireplaces, radiators, and other heat sources. Christmas lights. Indoors or outdoors use only lights that have been tested for safety. Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Use no more than three standard size sets of lights per single extension cord, and be sure to turn off all lights on trees and other decorations when you go to bed or leave the house. Trimmings. Use only non -combustible or flame resistant materials. Be sure no leaded materials are used. They are hazardous if eaten by children. In homes with small children, take special care to: Avoid decorations that are breakable. or sharp Keep trimmings with small removable parts out of reach of children. Avoid trimmings that resemble candy or food. ' Paper. When making paper decorations, look for materials labeled non combustible or flame resistant. Never place trimmings near open flames or electrical connections. Most importantly, dont burn papers in the fireplace. A flash fire may result as wrappings ignite and suddenly and bum intensely. Candles. Never use lighted candles on a tree or near other evergreens. Take a few minutes to safeguard your home against hazards will make for a merrier and safer holiday season. o During the Christmas season more than ever, our thoughts turn gratefully to those who have made our progress possible. And in this spirit we say thank you and best wishes for a wonderful holiday. IMPROVE YOUR LOOKS, HEALTH AND 0 , red-suit- S-T- Season's Greetings To All As the festivities continued with song and dance, Clar picked up the broken nutcracker and put them in her dolls cradle. Later that night she went back downstairs to look at the nutcracker, and thats when the Clara was treated to an amazing tableau of dances from around the world . candy canes swirled around and around, marzipan maids, tumbling clowns and sugar plum fairies performed in joyous fashion. magic began. . . When the clock struck midnight, mice scurried across the floor. The Christmas tree began to grow and grow and gingerbread soldiers came to life and marched about the room. But as all good things must end, the time came to Clara slipped back from her world of say good-bywith visions of magic castles and sugar enchantment plums and was off in a dream world all her own, fast asleep. e. Clara watched in awe as the mice returned and began to battle with the soldiers. The Nutcracke came to life and took command of the remaining Robinsons Transport Main Salina 850 West - |