Month: January 2013

Groundhog Day is celebrated every February 2 in the United States. Each year, Punxsutawney Phil in Philadelphia and other groundhogs (and occasionally prairie dogs) across the nation are coaxed of their holes. According to folklore, if the groundhog sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter. However, if he doesn’t, an early spring is predicted. This date is also Candlemas Day, a Christian holiday with traditional weather lore attached to it.

If Candlemas be fair and bright,
Winter has another flight.
If Candlemas brings clouds and rain,
Winter will not come again.

Here are five interesting facts about Groundhog Day. Let’s hope the groundhog doesn’t see his shadow this year!

• 5. The custom of winter weather prediction in February using a burrowing animal comes from Germany, where the folklore encouraged folks to watch a badger come out of its hole on Candlemas Day to see if winter would last longer. When Germans immigrated to the United States, they brought the custom with them, but substituted the groundhog (or woodchuck), a much more common animal.
• 4. While Groundhog Day is celebrated by many people in many U.S. States, it it not an official holiday.
• 3. Why was the Groundhog Day weather prediction important to early settlers? They were primarily farmers. Lacking accurate weather forecasting, they turned to folklore to learn when they should plant their crops.
• 2. The earliest American reference to Groundhog Day comes from 1841, in the diary of James Morris of Berks County, Pennsylvania.
• 1. In Alaska, Groundhog Day is known as Marmot Day because they aren’t many groundhogs in the Last Frontier.

Whether the prediction falls on the side of an early spring or a longer winter, Greeting Card Universe helps you celebrate Groundhog Day with friends and family!

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What Are People Saying About Greeting Card Universe?
“Great site, unique selection of cards for all occasions & outstanding quality of cards & efficiency regarding speed of delivery, even to the North of Scotland. Many thanks, this will be the place all cards will be purchased from in the future.” – Helen, January 24, 2013

January is National Blood Donor Month, a time when many individuals and organizations highlight the urgent need for volunteer  blood donations.

Most healthy people are eligible to give blood, but less than 10% of eligible potential donors actually do so.  Every day, patients in hospitals and treatment facilities receive blood transfusions. Without the donations of blood given by generous volunteers,  vital medical procedures couldn’t be performed and lives would be lost.

If you want to give blood, check for blood drives in  your community.

Greeting Card Universe appreciates the difference volunteers make in many people’s lives and offers unique birthday, holiday, and Thank You Volunteer greeting cards designed especially for organizations and individuals to express their thankfulness to those who give of themselves.

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What Are People Saying About Greeting Card Universe?
“The quality of your cards is amazing. The glossy print brings out the colors, and your selection is awesome. Can’t find better Christmas cards anywhere” – Terry, January 6, 2013

January is Celebration of Life Month, a time of fresh starts and new beginnings. Everyone is  encouraged to  find ways to celebrate the positives while looking for ways to change the negatives.  To appreciate your life and the years you’ve lived, the times you’ve shared with loved ones and friends, and learn to take things as they come.

Few people knows how precious life is more than the survivor of a serious illness like cancer.

Survivors are strong individuals who have learned how to take one day at a time. A survivor knows the importance of appreciating and celebrating each moment. And survivors deserve support and recognition, too, which is why Greeting Card Universe offers a unique collection of Cancer Survivor Anniversary Cards and End of Chemotherapy Cards so you can show your love and appreciation of the survivors in your life.

Now just in the month of January, but every day.

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What Are People Saying About Greeting Card Universe?
“This was my first time using this website. I have to say I am delighted to have found it. Now I no longer have to spend lots of time browsing in stores looking for just the right card. It’s now always at my fingertips. When I called with a question, the staff were so courteous and helpful. I’ve shared the website with my family and friends.” – Jean, December 24, 2012