DECK THE HOLIDAY'S

   Christmas cards are one of the most popular holiday traditions we have today.  They are mailed out all over the world to friends, family and acquaintances during the holiday season every year.  They are available in any size, shape or color imaginable, and with a countless variety of thoughful messages.  However, some may be interested in learning about the history of Christmas cards and how they came to be so popular in our society today.    The custom of sending greeting cards dates back to Ancient China.  In order to celebrate the New Year, the ancient Chinese delighted in sending messages of good will.  Early Egyptians utilized papyrus scrolls to send their greeting.  New Year's tidings were being produced in Germany as early as the 1400's.   The origin of the Christmas card is in England.  They are a product of boys practicing their writing skills.  The boys would practice by making cards for their parents. ...

   Candy canes are a traditional Christmas treat.  There are many interesting facts about candy canes that many people know little or nothing about, however.  For example, did you know that it is possible to find candy canes at other times of the year than Christmas.  Here, we will take a much closer look at some interesting facts about candy canes. History of the Candy Cane    During the 1400's, it is rumored that the candy cane was invented by French priests.  When it was first invented, the candy can did not have any curves. It was also called a peppermint stick at this time.  The candy cane was originally a straight stick.    One little known fact about the candy cane is that it was not originally invented with red stripes.  It was not until the mid 1900's that candy canes with red stripes appeared in Sweden.    The curvy shape of the candy cane is credited to a choirmaster who worked at the Cologne Cathedr...

   There's no sure-fire way to capture the beauty of Christmas lights in a photograph.  But, there are a few tips that might help.  Here are five things to try when photographing the lights come Christmas. Take a lot of Pictures .  Often, the trick to getting a few beautiful shots is to take several attemps and to simply get rid of the weird ones.  Especially with using a digital camera, it's very reasonable to take a hundred shots so that you can get five pictures that you really like.  If at first you don't succeed, try, try, again. \ Turn Off the Flash .  Sometimes capturing great shots of light in an otherwise dark area happens when you turn off the flash.  Having the flash on can overcompensate for the brightness of the picture and leave your photograph distorted.  If your pictures just aren't coming out right, try turning the flash off for a few shots and see if the results are any better. Zoom In .  To get tho...

 Seal 2010  Seal 1931  Seal 1981    It all began in 1907 .    In the early 20th century, tuberculosis was the leading cause of death in the U.S.  Physicians were experiencing the first signs of success treating tuberculosis in special hospitals called sanatoriums, and one of those facilities had fallen on tough times.  The tiny Delaware sanatorium would have to close its doors if $300 dollars could not be raised to save it.  One of its doctors explained the plight to his cousin, a Red Cross volunteer named Emily Bissell.  Bissell was a veteran fundraiser, and she soon came up with a plan based on one that had worked in Denmark: She would design and print special holiday seals and sell them at the post office for a penny each.  Seal 1907   Emily Bissell  Expanding Mission   The tradition continued and grew year after year through World War I, The Great Depression and Word War II.  As ...

Larinas Center Milan, Italy - Macys -   Their windows this year or based on the stories of "Miracle on 34th Street", and "Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus".             Nicole Farhi- Mostly fashion with different paper sculptures.   Saks Fifth Avenue - Alot of fashion and futuristic with lots of bubbles that are supposed to be like snow.          Tiffany's - Alot of white snowy paper buildings and the glitter of diamonds.