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You may have received a Christmas card that pointed you here for ordering information. I no longer sell the cards, I only make them for charitable fundraisers. |
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Alamo Plaza Christmas Tree
Reverse side text: In San Antonio, Texas, the little Spanish mission known as the Alamo is revered by Texans as a symbol of standing up for principle in the face of overwhelming odds. On March 6 1836, it was the site of one of the most celebrated military engagements in history. After a 13 day siege and a brief pre-dawn battle, every one of the Alamo's 189 Texian defenders met death at the hands of thousands of Mexican troops. The battle was conspicuous for the large number of illustrious personalities among its combatants. These included Tennessee congressman David Crockett, entrepreneur-adventurer James Bowie, and Mexican president Antonio López de Santa Anna. In December of the previous year, Texian forces who favored a separation of Texas from Mexico had captured San Antonio, but most had left service and returned to their families. When Mexican forces mounted a spring offensive to recapture the town, only a handful of defenders were present. Although they willingly placed themselves in harm's way to protect their country, they were not suicidal. They repeatedly called for reinforcements, but the new provisional government of Texas could not deliver. During the siege, an assembly of delegates was meeting at Washington-on-the Brazos to form the new Texas republic. They expected to be attacked by Santa Anna's troops, and the 13 day delay created by the Alamo defenders allowed promulgation of independence, the formation of a revolutionary government, and the drafting of a constitution. On April 21, Texian forces led by Sam Houston caught Santa Anna's troops napping at San Jacinto during their afternoon siesta. The whole line sprang forward on the run with the cry "Remember the Alamo". They defeated Santa Anna's army in 18 minutes, and the Texas Republic was born.
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Casa Rio Christmas Lights
Reverse side text: The Casa Rio Restaurant was opened in 1946 by Alfred Beyer and was the first commercial establishment on the world-famous San Antonio River Walk. Beyer had an appliance store at street level but was losing sales to department stores, so he excavated the basement of his store, built stairs down to the River, and opened what became a very popular Mexican eatery and a San Antonio landmark. During excavation he discovered remnants of a Spanish colonial era home which were preserved as part of the restaurant. Today, Casa Rio is especially popular during the Christmas season, when San Antonio treats River Walk visitors to a dazzling display of lights strung from graceful cypress branches.
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Museum Reach F.I.S.H.
Reverse side text: On the newly opened Museum Reach of the San Antonio River Walk, Donald Lipski's F.I.S.H. sculpture is a new city landmark. The illuminated, piscean fiberglass figures are suspended from the I-35 bridge and are long-ear sunfish that are native to this stretch of the river. The building in the background is the San Antonio Museum of Art.
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The Little Church of La Villita
Reverse side text: The Little Church of La Villita was built in 1879 in the historic heart of downtown San Antonio. Today, it is an active non-denominational church and a favorite site for weddings. This is the back of the church, where newlyweds wait for guests to depart before re-entering the chapel for wedding pictures.
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San Fernando Cathedral
Reverse side text: The San Fernando Cathedral in San Antonio, Texas is the oldest cathedral sanctuary in the United States and the oldest parish church in Texas. The cornerstone of the church was laid in 1738, and the dome marks the geographic center of the City. In 1836, the Battle of the Alamo began after Mexican General Santa Anna raised the flag of "no quarter" from the tower of the church. In the back of the cathedral there is a marble coffin that bears notice the remains of the defenders of the Alamo are buried there. San Fernando Cathedral is not exclusively a Catholic cathedral - it functions as a center of unity and harmony for all the God-loving people of San Antonio and beyond. Over 5,000 people participate at weekend Masses each week of the year.
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Christmas Lights on the San Antonio River
Reverse side text: Each year during the Christmas season, San Antonio treats River Walk visitors to a dazzling display of lights strung from graceful cypress branches. In the background, the Hilton Palacio del Rio hotel is a San Antonio landmark and a favorite destination for tourists and convention visitors. It was rushed to completion in 1968 for the opening of the HemisFair, using cranes to lift modular rooms into place that had been assembled off-site and completely furnished down to the towel racks and soap in the dishes.
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Pearl Brewery
Reverse side text: The Pearl Brewery was established in 1883 in San Antonio, Texas and operated at this site until 2001. Since then, the property has become the crown jewel in revitalization efforts of northern downtown San Antonio. An extension of the famed River Walk reached the site in 2009, and river taxis convey tourists to events at a new outdoor ampitheatre. For locals, mixed use develoments offer options for downtown living and working.
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River Walk Fountain
Reverse side text: The San Antonio River Walk teems with holiday revelers during the Christmas season, yet there are many little-known nooks and crannies that offer a peaceful respite for water birds and people alike.
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Our Lady of Guadalupe
Reverse side text: Carved from the banks of Helotes Creek, this charming and intimate church honors the patroness of the Americas, the Virgin of Guadalupe. A sunken altar looks up towards curving rows of pews that slope toward street level. Behind the altar, windows frame a peaceful view of the wooded creek bed. Near the church's entrance, a large natural pine tree is a Christmas sentinel at the edge of the Texas Hill Country.
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Marble Falls Walkway of Lights
Reverse side text: In Marble Falls, Texas, community volunteers present the annual Christmas Walkway of Lights on the banks of Lake Marble Falls. Over 130 sculptures are illuminated by more than one million lights. Holiday visitors view the display by taking a self-guided stroll. Admission and parking are free.
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Comal River Reflecting Pool
Reverse side text: On the Comal River in New Braunfels, the Schlitterbahn water park is one of Texas' most popular summertime attractions. In 2008 the park was first lit for Christmas and the path along the River offered a glowing stroll. Here, the River serves as a reflecting pool for three arriving stars.
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