Sending a card at Christmas - is it a custom on its way out as we embrace new technology and the “paperless” society that everyone dreamed about?

Now more often called holiday cards the tradition of
sending seasonal greetings to our friends and business associates can be traced back to the ancient Chinese. They often exchanged messages of good will to celebrate the New Year, while the early Egyptians were known to convey greetings on papyrus scrolls.

Christmas 1843, England - Sir Henry Cole found he was
too busy and had so many Christmas greetings to send that handwriting them all was out of the question. Instead, he contacted an artist -John Calcott Horsley - had a card printed with his design and started a new holiday tradition.

As one of the founders of the Victoria and Albert Museum
in London Sir Henry was an interesting man. He was very
aware of a fundamental message of Christmas that we still uphold today - he felt that those who were in the position to must help the underprivileged on this holiday. To get his message across he used the first Christmas card, created by Horsley, to show the act of feeding and clothing the destitute. The center panel of the same card depicted a family celebrating the season - embracing one another, sipping wine and enjoying the festivities as we still do today. His message of charity overlooked, the family image immediately drew criticism from those who claimed it promoted drunkenness – especially because it showed a child sipping wine.

Mass produced Christmas cards did not catch on until the
1860’s when commercial printers started to develop cards
with minimalist designs and simple greetings of “Merry
Christmas”. Cards over the years have picked up on themes and trends and have reflected the ideals and sensibilities of the times – during the wars the cards were more patriotic. Many cards today have a secular design wishing people a more inclusive “happy holidays” and featuring non-religious images like snowmen, reindeer and Santa.

In Sir Henry’s day, Christmas cards were more expensive
than they are now. They were individually painted and delivered by hand. In 1871 critics again came forward saying the deluge of cards at Christmas was stopping the delivery of “legitimate” mail. 120 years ago the post office asked everyone to “post early”- who to this day remembers to do that?

We can all feel better to know that even as far back as the 1870’s people were feeling guilty for not sending cards!

Understandably, this tradition has dropped in popularity
somewhat due to technology like e-cards and email.
Although greeting cards go back to an ancient prototype, it’s interesting to note that what we know today as the Christmas card came to life in 1843 because a brilliant idea man was over worked.

Love music?
Like hearing great new musicians? ... Come to the Sunday Concert Series!

The McMichael Volunteer Committee has teamed up with
CAMMAC to showcase outstanding Canadian musicians.
Held every second Sunday between September and June.
December 6, Elaine Lau, Pianist 2010
January 3, Cadence, Male Vocal A Cappella Ensemble
January 17, Chris McKhool, Jazz Violin
February 7, Steph Chua, Pianist
February 21, Rob Mac, Chromaduo
March 7, Margaret Prime, Flute Soloist
March 21, Lorraine Wu and David Dai,
Piano and Jazz Saxophone
April 4, Cary Savage, Guitar
April 18, David Occhipinti, Jazz
May 2, Taffanel Wind Ensemble, Classical Wind Trio
May 16, George Marton and Violinist
June 6, Vivace Chamber Players, Flute, Cello & Piano
June 20, Darren Sigemundson, Jazz Trombone Solo
All concerts 1:30 - 3:30 pm.
Free with Admission to the McMichael gallery.

‘Dear Santa’ opens at Blackhorse

Tis the season for holiday mishaps at the Blackhorse Village Players theatre when Dear Santa, a comedy written by
Norm Foster hits the stage this week.

High jinx is abound at Santa’s workshop as Santa Claus tries to fulfill a child's special Christmas wish while his staff attempts to overcome a supply shortage at the North Pole.

Adding to the complications is a sleigh salesman, and a love-struck housekeeper who’s admiration for Santa’s chief-of-
staff goes unnoticed. This laugh-filled holiday play is innocent enough for the youngest boy or girl, entertaining enough for adults, and will surely lift audience’s spirits.

Dear Santa opens November 27, with a preview performance
on November 25, and continues every weekend through to December 12. Tickets can be reserved by calling the box office at 905 880-5002 or available at the door (cash/cheque only) while supplies last. Evening performances begin at 8:15 p.m. and two matinee performances start at 2:15 p.m. The Blackhorse Theatre is located at 17272 Mount Wolfe Rd. and Hwy 9. For more information go to www.blackhorse.ca