First, please accept my heart's gratitude for all your messages of consolation, appreciation, and most of all, prayers for the passing of my Mom, our dear Habou.
It means a lot and I read every comment. Last week was, of course, hectic in many ways and full of decisions, comings and goings, and intense feelings. But I wanted to say “thank you!” — Know that we have put you and your intentions in all our Rosaries and we treasure every word you offered us. May God bless you all!
Now is the time to start thinking… Are you looking for high-quality, letterpress Christmas cards?
Deirdre's husband John Folley has produced this lovely card and it's available now!
And we are doing a giveaway! Win a package of 20 cards with their envelopes!
We think sending Christmas cards is totally worth the time and expense:
“… the medium is the message, and the message we received in all those postal greetings was loud and clear: Christ is made Man as a little baby; Mary is His pure and beautiful Mother, warm and loving; Joseph is His quiet protector and ours; Angels rejoice!; the Star shines down on us; the Wise Men are coming with their mysterious gifts… ” (Read the whole thing: Deirdre's 5 reasons to send traditional Christmas cards.)
We also believe in the power of beauty to transform the world.
If you want to go ahead and order your cards, go to John's site. Note that the cards can be customized for your business or institution (or family!).
To win, simply enter your comment here! Next week we will choose a winner of twenty lovely letterpress cards with this beautiful image of the Madonna and Child!
{bits & pieces}
- I recommend this account on Instagram for inspiration for educating children: Charlotte Mason Educational Center (CMEC). There's nothing like a good visual to inspire you!
- Because, even on the parish level, “some Catholic opponents of capital punishment appeal to these developments as proof that all Catholics are now obligated to favor its abolition – that there can no longer be the “legitimate diversity of opinion” spoken of by then-Cardinal Ratzinger,” and because some consider jettisoning the death penalty to be a reasonable concession to achieve the important goal of protecting the lives of the unborn, I offer this article: Three Questions for Opponents of Capital Punishment.
- The white-throated sparrow changed its song: A modified dialect of male song began in a local population in western Canada and, in two decades, traveled to birds more than 1,800 miles away.
- Every year on its anniversary, the defenders of the bombings in Japan speak up. Fr. Pokorsky explains why they are wrong.
- Hopefully when you click here you can see a gif of how a bridge was built in medieval times… and here you see how the pilons were driven into the water.
- When I've written about teaching history, I've cautioned against the embedded assumption in many texts that we are ever progressing towards enlightenment. This ideology is sometimes called “The Whig Interpretation of History” (after a book by that name — affiliate link); sometimes just Progressivism; often not named. Protestant authors subscribe to this view (or they wouldn't be Protestant!); Susan Wise Bauer's Story of the World teaches it. Anyway, this essay by James Matthew Wilson offers some interesting thoughts on the subject.
from the archives
liturgical year
follow us everywhere!
Stay abreast of the posts when they happen:
I just share pretty pictures: Auntie Leila’s Instagram.
If you want politics, rants, and takes on what is going on in the Church:
Auntie Leila’s Facebook (you can just follow — my posts are public — sometimes I share articles here that don’t make it into {bits & pieces})
The boards of the others: Rosie’s Pinterest. Sukie’s Pinterest. Deirdre’s Pinterest. Habou’s Pinterest. Bridget’s Pinterest.
And the others on IG: Rosie’s Instagram. Sukie’s Instagram. Deirdre’s Instagram. Bridget’s Instagram.Habou’s Instagram.
Rebecca says
Thank you for promoting beauty, and for removing my cynicism about sending Christmas cards!
Rebecca says
Very beautiful cards, I especially love the representation of our Blessed Mother.
Ash A says
These are beautiful!
Elizabeth says
How beautiful! Would love to send these for Christmas!
Toni Graham says
Good morning!
I would love to win the Christmas cards. Thank you!
Carly O says
Thank you for sharing his beautiful work! I love traditional cards and I always put a regular photo inside so that families can have a regular pic of us. I also leave a few Christmas cards or photos up year round that we receive, and I pray for that family throughout the year when I walk by.
Emily says
Beautiful cards! And my kids will enjoy the bridge links 🙂
Clare says
These are so beautiful! I would love to win some!
coralievo says
These are beautiful cards! I think I’ll try to send some this year, thank you!
Keeping you and your mom in our prayers as well.
Rhebeka says
Thank you for sharing these wonderful cards. I’ve recently committed to only buying traditional, religious cards – even if I have to spend a bit more. I love sending Christmas cards every year and would love to send these and promote John’s work. If I don’t win, I may go buy a pack anyway. 🙂
Karen says
I haven’t had time in years to send out Christmas cards. This year life has calmed down, so I actually might! These are beautiful!
Lisa Beth W. says
Dear Leila,
We also lost a beloved mother just a little over a month ago, so we also know this pain. May God continue to comfort you!
With reference to one of your “bits and pieces”, I beg to differ on your idea that Protestants subscribe to the view that we are ever progressing toward enlightenment or they wouldn’t be Protestant. That view may be true of some Protestants, but definitely not all. I am a Protestant, well-established in my own view of history, and I do not believe any such thing. And there are many like me. 😉 I read here because I can appreciate many things that you post, but I would advise you to stay away from trying to describe Protestants, perhaps. 🙂
Diana says
Your links are always such a treasure trove. I open all of them up, and then spend the week going through them. They are such a blessing to me – thank you!
We will continue to pray for your family as you deal with your loss.
Meg says
I’ll have to do that! I always want to read every one!
Cathy says
I love receiving your weekly posts. Continued prayers for your Mom and for you. My mother passed away last December, after a long illness and with the Last Rites (Thank God and His Most Holy Mother) But all this past year, I’d find myself thinking, when something or another happened “Oh, I have to tell Mom about this.” So I know a little of what you might be feeling.
The Christmas cards are lovely, and I totally agree with Deidre’s thoughts about the importance of sending traditional Christmas cards. I’d love a chance to win some, but even if I am not that fortunate I will be sure to buy some traditional cards esp. if I can support small Catholic businesses by doing so.
Sarah Abreu says
These are beautiful! Praying for you as you grieve your mom and celebrate her life.
Marta says
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. God grant us all such a blessed death.
I was just talking with my sister about this Progressive ideology and what a bedrock it is in our culture’s thinking. It permeates everything from art to healthcare! It is very difficult to have a fruitful discussion until that chief difference in outlook is acknowledged.
Whom do you recommend for a non-progressive children’s history writer? I’m somewhat dissatisfied with both Bauer and more recently Dorothy Mills.
Anamaria says
We are doing TAN books answer to Story if the world- story of civilization. The writing isn’t as good as, say, a little history of the world, but for a narrative history text they work up through middle school, with supplementation.
Michelle Burslem says
Beautiful cards! Thank you for the opportunity and God bless!
Sibyl says
Last year I didn’t get to the Christmas cards, and this year I have vowed to be on top of it! I hope to win this set, but if not, I’ll order them. Thanks.
Hannah Q says
Thank you for the adorable essay by Milne. We have some huge Winnie the Pooh fans in our house. I hope someone sent him a taller edition of Beattie after that article was published.
Also, I would love some Christmas cards 🙂
Maureen says
I was just thinking this morning that it’s time to pick this year’s Christmas cards! So what a timely post, and what lovely cards!
Rebecca says
Love the cards, the image would be wonderful as a coloring page, or an ornament too.
Meg says
Such a good idea!
Chris Cattaneo says
I’d love to win…they’re gorgeous : )
–Christine C
Abigail Badillo says
So sorry for your loss, Leila. Your mother, you, and your family will be in our prayers.
I’ve been stubbornly insisting on sending real Christmas cards for years; I dislike the trend towards sending photos of “us” instead of sacred art, and I also dislike the trend of sending a postcard with no personal message. I consider Christmas card time a special opportunity to actually connect with far-flung family and friends. These cards are so gorgeous – I would love to win them! If not, I may have to consider whittling my list of recipients down, so that I can buy just one really lovely box of cards…
Cathy says
Beautiful Christmas card-love it! Well done!
Jenny says
Thank you for the lovely giveaway! I am praying for your dear mom and your family. I’m so sorry for your loss. <3
Karen says
You have a very talented son-in-law! I actually managed to find beautiful Christmas cards at Walmart last year, but these cards look amazing, too.
Lindsey Gallant says
These are lovely cards, and I would love to acquire some one way or another! 🙂
Also, my condolences to you and your family in this time. May God’s presence be sweet comfort.
Andrea R says
The cards are so beautiful! They should be framed!
And thanks for the reminder about those 13 year old boys! Two have passed that threshold, and one is almost there!
Theresa Lane says
Oh my word those are GORGEOUS—thank your SIL for producing a unique, meaningful card.
Kristi says
These cards are so beautiful. Thank you for the opportunity to win them!
Emily Beier says
These cards are breathtaking! I was quite inspired by last year’s LMLD post about sending real Christmas cards, and hope I can win these to do just that this year!
Susan Kaness says
Praying for the repose of your mother’s soul and for the consolation of all who love her.
Meg says
I’m so sorry to hear about your mother. She must have been a good one and I’m grateful for the wisdom you are generationally passing on.
I was blessed to read the article about why you should send Christmas cards last year- I absolutely love the reasoning behind it! I’m converted. 😉 These giveaway cards are beautiful .
Christina says
Truly, the most beautiful Christmas cards I’ve seen!
Dixie says
Those cards are truly beautiful!
Lisa says
These are so unique and beautiful! I would probably keep one just to frame and hang in my home! I have thought often about your post on sending real Christmas cards, and have used the opportunity to find cards that are real works of art. This has been so easy – everyone seems to be getting rid of traditional cards and the thrift stores are often treasure troves for them! Thank you for the opportunity to win something lovely!
Catherine says
What a beautiful Christmas card!
It was so nice to see a little plug for the CMEC instagram ac count. I have been a member for the past few years, and have found the support of the community beneficial for both our homeschool and my own spiritual deelopment.
Angela Kobel says
Those cards are absolutely stunning. Almost too pretty to give away! Might have to keep one for myself:)
Catherine says
Lovely cards!!
Heather Hakes says
Gorgeous cards! I would love to send them!
Nancy says
These cards are a wonderful reminder of how important it is to restore the cultural appreciation of beauty, the arts, and Catholic culture at large. Thank you!
Patti P says
What beautiful cards!
Laura says
I would love to win these cards, they are beautiful
Allegra says
Prayers for you and your family!
I would be excited to win and send those Christmas cards.
Bridget Holt says
These are really lovely!
Mary says
Lovely, simple cards. Thank you for the opportunity to win some.
appleava says
I’m so delighted with how ornate the cards are and how naturally beautiful the Madonna and Child look. I’ definitely thinking of buying these if I don’t win them. Thanks for showing us!
Karen says
Last year our family followed your advice! We ordered beautiful Christmas cards from Refuge of Sinners Publishing that allowed us to choose an image of the Holy Family for the front of our card AND include a photo of our family and a personalized message on the inside. The publishing and the customer service was excellent! Thank you for an opportunity to win cards designed by your lovely family.
Heather says
What a beautiful card! We’d love to win a set. And I do preserve herbs in salt, but I combine them, dehydrate it and grind it up in my food processor. It leaves me with a fine textured flavored salt, which is wonderful for all sorts of application. I made a garlic one (garlic, garlic chives, chives and parsley), an Italian herb one and a general ‘all the herbs’ one. So pretty and so delicious!
Jaia K says
I would seriously love to win a pack of these beautiful cards!
Donna says
What beautiful cards!
Rachel T says
Lovely cards! Hard to believe it’s time to think about Christmas cards again already
Maria Hogg says
Maria Hogg says.” A card with a genuine Christmas message – Our Holy Mother emanates a tender love on the Holy Child that nestles in her arms. That’s a message we have to get across this Christmas. Love it – it is simple with a deep message.
Barbara Juneau says
So sorry to hear about the loss if your mom. I will remember her and also all of your beautiful family in my prayers. Thank you for giving us so much to think about each week in your blog.
The cards are beautiful and so special.
Tana Jimenez says
Wow, that image is stunning! My prayers and condolences.
Elizabeth Kalinowski says
So beautiful!
Ann Welch says
Love this card! It’s always stressful making time to send out Christmas cards and I know friends who don’t do it, but after we get our cards in the mail Im so thankful to have done it and cherish the cards we receive.
Kari Brane says
Would love to win the cards! Some special friends and family would enjoy recieving them.
Kari
Sarah Malina says
The cards are absolutely gorgeous.
Amber says
These cards are both peaceful and stunning – thank you for encouraging the traditional Christmas card!
Amanda says
Those Christmas cards are gorgeous!!
Amy says
These are gorgeous. I still send Christmas cards every year and was beginning to think that I was the only one. LOL Seriously, I have a list of about 35 that i send. This way down from the original 108 I sent out the first year of my marriage. I took people off as they either passed away or didn’t send us one. Sometimes family would tell me that since they don’t send them it made them feel weird that I did. BUT this year I am renewing my list and added a bunch of people back on. I have some leftover from years past and a mix of funny, religous and serious cards. Stamps are bought. My gift to many this year is going to be Christmas cheer. It would be interesting to hear if anyone else feels this way. Thank you for the opprotunity to win.
Anamaria says
I didn’t send any sort of card for a few years and sadly was removed from a few lists! I loved to get them even though I just wasn’t together enough to send!
Taryn B says
Gorgeous! Thank you for this opportunity!
Anne Marie says
Sweet image…
Lisa says
What beautiful cards! I would love to win.
Lydia says
Beautiful May the art of letterpress live on for all His glory!
Anne Marie says
I confess I have not sent Christmas cards in a very long time. When you have 9 kids and 6 are born in Nov/Dec, and your husband has a HUGE family, it gets a bit overwhelming. I’d love to get back in the swing with these gorgeous cards.
Anamaria says
Would love to win! Lovely cards.
Last year I did the shepherds visiting the manger on the front and family photos on the back. I was planning to do the same this year but if I won these I’d definitely use them!
Catherine Ann says
What a lovely card. It would be a blessing to be able to share it with friends and family.
Sarah Schutte says
Absolutely delightful! The halo detail is one of my favorite parts. I’d love to send these out for Christmas!
Dawn says
I love those Christmas cards. We always look for lovely ones to send off. I am impressed with the beauty and simplicity of those cards. I have been a long time reader and am still very grateful for the mutu recommendation years afterwards.
Katharina Heffley says
Would love to use these as our Christmas cards this year! What a talented son-in-law. 🙂
Virginia says
The James Mathew Wilson article was very interesting. Thanks!
Kristen says
Thanks for the chance to win!
Elizabeth says
These cards are so lovely! I can’t afford to buy them for my whole list, but I would be thrilled to win and send out at least some!
Jennifer says
I love giving and receiving Christmas cards! It’s just the best. These are so lovely, thank you for the opportunity to win some!
Shyla says
These cards are beautiful! Xoxo
Candice says
We love sending beautiful Christmas cards to family and friends each year. It takes a lot of time (and always costs more than I expect!) but it’s so worth it. I would love the chance to win these!
Dawn says
I have sent Christmas cards one time in 10 years of marriage. This year, that will change!
Elizabeth says
The cards look beautiful! I actually bought real Christmas cards last year after reading Deirdre’s post, I liked the idea of trying to showcase Christ more than ourselves, even with our Christmas card art.
With respect, I don’t understand your comment in the bits and pieces section that Protestant authors subscribe to the view that we are ever progressing toward enlightenment – especially when you add (or they wouldn’t be Protestant). I am a Protestant, I don’t believe that, and I honestly don’t think I know any Protestants who do. I’m sure there are some out there, but I don’t see anything fundamental about Protestant beliefs that would steer you toward that idea.
Monica says
Gorgeous cards! I would love to win them.
Jocelyn says
So beautiful! Can’t wait to send Christmas cards, but had not been looking forward to hunting down great ones. Thank you!
Jenna says
These are such beautiful Christmas cards!
Michaela says
So lovely! Last year I went for traditional handwritten (non-family photo) Christmas cards and I loved doing it and hope to do it again this year.
Claudia Daniel says
Alas, I may be too late for the giveaway. These cards are so beautiful, and, if I’m not to late, I’d love to win.