Ain't this the perfect Holiday cards photo...Ron Howard a.k.a. Richie Cunningham posing with Fonzie and the gang from "Happy Days".

For those of us old enough to remember TV shows from the early 1960s, one that will surely conjure images of a Norman Rockwell painting depicting small town USA or a Currier & Ives Christmas cards setting of a snow covered countryside is The Andy Griffith Show. One of the show’s stars was six-year-old Ron Howard.

Ron Howard was born March 1, 1954 to a show business family. His father is actor/director Rance Howard and his mother is actress Jean Speegle Howard. He appeared in his first movie at the age of 18 months and has been in front of or behind a camera ever since.

Ron became well known when he was cast as Opie, Sheriff Andy Taylor’s son on The Andy Griffith Show. Most fans of TV are familiar with the series that is set in the quiet rural town of Mayberry, North Carolina, where Andy and Opie live with the widowed sheriff’s Aunt Bee. Not much crime takes place in town so most of the exploits revolve around Andy handling squabbles between neighbors or calming down his overly reactive deputy, Barney Fife.

I remember The Andy Griffith Show’s first holiday program. It aired on Monday, December 19th in 1960 and was simply titled “Christmas Story”. I was ten-years-old at the time. My younger brother and I were helping our mother prepare holiday cards and address the envelopes as we watched the story of Mayberry’s scrooge, store owner Ben Weaver, insist that Andy arrest local bootlegger Sam Muggins on Christmas Day. Ben, who sells liquor in his store, doesn’t want Sam’s moonshine to outsell his legal booze. Andy reluctantly throws Sam in jail and then proceeds to arrest his entire family so they can all be together for Christmas. With help from Aunt Bee, Opie, and Barney, Andy puts together a holiday party at the courthouse. When Ben sees the festivities he wants to join in, so he begins to commit various petty crimes to get arrested. Andy refuses until he realizes that Ben just wants to share in the holiday spirit.

In 1974 Ron began to play the role of Richie Cunningham on Happy Days. That same year, “Guess Who’s Coming to Christmas” episode aired on Tuesday, December 17th. The story involved Richie, who discovered that Fonzie will be spending Christmas alone, contriving a plan that would get the whole gang to celebrate Christmas together. I can’t remember where I watched the show that year but it wasn’t with mom and my brother stuffing Christmas cards into envelopes.

Ron directed the feature film The Grinch, which was released on November 17, 2000, based on the Dr. Seuss story, How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Starring Jim Carrey in the title role of the green, scrooge-like character that would never send holiday cards or celebrate the holidays, it went on to earn $260 million at the U.S. box office.

When Alec Baldwin was a regular on SNL, he performed a memorable Christmas cards-themed skit.

Alec Baldwin is a talented actor who did some great movies and is currently on the television show 30 Rock. He often appears on Saturday Night Live, and one of his more memorable skits was from episode 11 on season 21 of the show. Baldwin appears with a Santa hat saying he forgot to send out his Christmas cards and he would like the following to serve as his Christmas card this year. He then reads a very funny ultra-generic letter that is a spoof on every thing that is personalized in Christmas cards. It makes you wonder what his own celebrity holiday cards look like.

Well this year Alec Baldwin may be sending out holiday cards with his daughter’s name included once again. Apparently their rift of a year ago has been healed. You remember when he cursed on the phone at his then 11 year old daughter? You remember where he had derogatory words to relay in his lengthy tirade about his ex-wife and Ireland’s mother, Kim Bassinger? You remember where he called his daughter a little pig? If 2007 celebrity holiday cards from Alec Baldwin were sans his daughter’s name, then this year all should be happy in the Baldwin clan.

The marriage of Alec Baldwin to Kim Bassinger started out with such promise. They made such a great couple and didn’t they just look perfect together. They were blessed with the addition of a little girl and you would think they had it all. Unfortunately, the perfect world was replaced with a viciousness that has spilled over into their parenting. Can you imagine what its like for a little girl to grow up with two famous parents without the added burden of having everything concerning you in the headlines? Alec with his message that turned into a tirade and Kim, who it is obvious, was the only person capable of leaking the recording to the press. Perhaps, Ireland Baldwin would prefer to have her own holiday cards without either parent being included.

We’re not sure what Drew Barrymore’s holiday cards look like, but we do think they should reflect how far she’s come from a dark past to a bright future.

During the holiday season, when we are thinking of gifts and holiday cards and joy, it crossed my mind that Drew Barrymore, whom I admire, should choose a holiday card that would celebrate the strides she has made in her life.

There are many things I respect about Drew Barrymore. I love that she is “who she is.” She has traveled to a place where she seems to really have figured out that she likes herself…an enviable place for anyone to get to, in my opinion. Whether she is aware of it, I don’t know, but I believe that she has had angels in her life. Many who started out the way she did have not survived the journey.

One can only imagine the rocky path on which she first trod. It was a pure case of too much too soon, and an apparent serious lack of adult guidance. She was introduced to “show biz” at the tender age of 11 months! When you read about her beginnings, you wonder how she had the strength to turn her life around. Drugs and other forms of substance abuse were introduced to her at the young age of eleven.

Now if I were to be consulted on the holiday card issue, my thought would be to avoid the typical Santa Claus, tree ornaments, bells, or snow people in favor of something that I find untraditional, yet adorable that typifies Drew. That something is her participation in the adorable, “Olive, the other Reindeer” video. With characters named Olive, Martini, and Round John Virgin, the Christmas card possibilities seem innumerable. Can’t you just picture Drew with antlers, and her friend, Martini, singing, “Silent Night?”

No matter what holiday card Drew decides on, the true gift that she gives is her blithe (her middle name is Blyth), spirit, and big heart. She was named Ambassador Against Hunger for the U.N. World Food Program in 2007, which is a serious honor. What shows that this gal steps up to the plate is the fact that she personally donated one million dollars to the cause.

Holiday cards sent by Tyler Perry Studios in 2008

Shimmering Snowflakes in the ATL??? No, you are not dreaming or hallucinating! If you’re in the Atlanta vicinity, you may not actually be seeing snowflakes outside your window. These snowflakes are from Tyler Perry’s celebrity holiday cards. This man is a genius playwright, movie producer, and actor. Anyone who has followed his career knows that he literally hit rock bottom and worked his way up, largely due to his strong faith in God (according to Perry himself). It’s no surprise he was able to open Tyler Perry Studios and be the successful man he is.

I have to say, his holiday cards are a little toned down for the Tyler Perry we all know and love. However, from a company perspective, it sends a good holiday wish without being too flashy. He also has a huge community of support from artists and actors that he’s worked with. I’m sure he would reach out to all those who have supported him throughout the growth of his awesome career.

I just wonder how many holiday cards a man as popular as he would have to order. Does he just send cards to the contractors and financial institutions that helped get the studio up and running? Or does he send cards to all the talk show hosts and radio jockeys who support him and his projects? Either way, I’m sure it must feel good to get a card from a man as busy as Mr. Tyler Perry.

The late Patrick Swayze, who will be remembered around the holidays from the clever carol from Mystery Science Theater 3000, "A Patrick Swayze Christmas," and his film, "Christmas in Wonderland," co-starring Carmen Electra.

Those of us who grew up in the 80s will always remember Patrick Swayze as the smooth-moved Johnny Castle in Dirty Dancing. Mothers and daughters alike have wept for almost 20 years at the romantic thriller Ghost, co-starring Demi Moore and Whoopi Goldberg. Others will always think of his turn as Vida Boheme in To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar and smile. What many may not realize is that, when it’s time to deck the halls and start writing out those holiday cards, a Patrick Swayze Christmas carol is ready to help get you into the holiday spirit.

In 1991, the people behind cult classic Mystery Science Theater 3000 wrote the carol “A Patrick Swayze Christmas,” inspired by the film Road House. Those familiar with that movie will chuckle at lyrics such as “Oh, let’s have a Patrick Swayze Christmas this year! Or we’ll tear your throat out and kick you in the ear…” Not surprisingly, this unconventional ode even includes a mid-song action sequence!

In my opinion, the MST3K Christmas carol is hard to beat. Still, it is not the only Christmas-related Swayze medium available to us. One of Patrick’s last roles was Christmas in Wonderland, a comedy about Christmas shopping, counterfeit money, and Santa Claus. While a film that co-stars Carmen Electra might not be high-grade cinema, it must have been a fun shoot. A picture of the two of them together would probably make for pretty nice celebrity Holiday cards, too!

For almost two years, Patrick Swayze fought a brave battle with pancreatic cancer – and, sadly, with the tabloids, who would not leave him alone, claiming he had “five weeks to live” (he lasted almost 18 months) and putting him on “death watch” any time it was reported he had the sniffles. Patrick, who considered himself a cowboy through and through and had the support and love of his wife, Lisa, lost the fight on September 14th. Those who had the privilege of working with, watching, or knowing him will miss him.

2008 Holiday cards sent by former New York Governor, Mario Cuomo

I’m sure I’m not the only person looking up celebrity holiday cards on the internet, but if you haven’t tried that yet, you should. It’s a fun thing to see. You can tell so much about a person’s taste when you look at the little things in their life. I came across Mario Cuomo’s holiday cards from last year and at first I didn’t think much about it, but then I started to think about the man and I looked a little further into his life and family. It’s just a fun thing to do, like reading about celebrities in a gossip magazine.

I have to admit, I always liked Mr. Cuomo when he was New York’s Governor. The holiday cards design is rather “worldly,” literally speaking. It is a globe with a ribbon running around it with all the flags of all the nations of the world and white doves holding it up. Running around the edge of the card appears to be different holiday sentiments like Happy New Year, Merry Christmas, and Peace on Earth. It speaks of a former politician but in a nice and respectful way.

I’m sure most people know his family by now. He has two sons: Andrew is the New York District Attorney and Chris is on ABC’s Good Morning America morning news show. I love this guy! He is terrific at his job and sooooo good looking! I understand one of Mr. Cuomo’s daughters is married to the designer Kenneth Cole. Holy cow! Can you imagine her wardrobe?!?!? Lucky woman! Maybe I should look up Kenneth Cole’s Christmas cards, although I’m pretty sure he’s Jewish.

Spoof holiday cards featuring Amy Winehouse

What is a nice Jewish girl like Amy Winehouse doing sending out Holiday cards?!!!! This Christmas card spoof of poor misguided Amy is as appropriate as it is amusing. The festive card design is a caricature of the head of Amy depicting her huge, signature beehive hairdo all decked out with holiday ornaments, a string of lights, and a star on top. The sentiment at the bottom of the Christmas card reads “I’m dreaming of a Wino Christmas,” a musical reference with a twist to an all time favorite Christmas carol. Amy is a singer/songwriter in the music industry and is also known to imbibe the holiday spirits, hence the “wino.” Actually the holiday cards sentiment could have remained “I’m dreaming of a white Christmas,” since Amy is also known to partake of the illegal “white stuff” as well. These bad habits have led to her downfall recently and a lot of negative publicity in the tabloids.

Amy grew up in England in a somewhat musical household. Her father was cab driver who loved to sing to her, and her mother was a pharmacist (hmmm). Her brother played guitar. She started her own rap band at the age of 10 and attended a private theatrical school until she was expelled at the age of 14. This was due to her getting her first body piercing. Since then, Amy has had many more piercings and lots of tattooing which seems to make her somewhat of an oddity in combination with her 60s style hairdo and Jewish upbringing.

Amy’s big break came in 2008 when she won five Grammys, but was unable to attend the ceremony due to visa issues coming into the United States. By then, this very talented woman was on a downward trip due to drugs, legal problems, marital troubles, and ill health. It is unfortunate that Amy Winehouse cannot get her act together. Her songs are deeply personal and brutally candid, sung with a soulful voice that supposedly gets better as she drinks. Perhaps next Christmas, Amy will be gifted with a brighter future without the wine, white stuff, and bad behavior.

Yankees-inspired 2007 holiday cards sent by George Steinbrenner to his business associates

For 2007, George Steinbrenner sent out tasteful holiday cards to his many business associates. The design was printed on a buff-colored, heavy matte card stock and featured the sentiment “Happy Holidays” printed in dark blue, large letters in a type style known as Lucida Calligraphy. Below this was attached a thin, metallic black-and-gold Christmas ornament featuring a three-inch black ring with a black New York Yankees batting helmet in the center. The words “New York Yankees 2007 Where Players Become Legends” are printed in gold foil, as is the trim on the batting helmet. Mr. Steinbrenner’s signature appears in blue ink at the bottom right-hand corner of the card above the words “New York Yankees” printed in a script font.

George Michael Steinbrenner III was born on July 4, 1930 in Rock River, Ohio. After a stint in the Air Force and as an assistant football coach at Northwestern and Purdue Universities, he became owner and CEO of his father’s multimillion dollar Cleveland-based shipbuilding company. This allowed him to head the investment group which purchased America’s most famous baseball franchise in 1973.

The early years of Steinbrenner’s tenure were filled with both controversy and great achievements. He drew the ire of many in the game by inking superstars Goose Gossage and Reggie Jackson to record free-agent contracts. He was suspended in 1976 for having made illegal campaign contributions to Richard Nixon and returned to see his beloved Yankees capture back-to-back World Series titles in 1977 and 1978.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Steinbrenner became most famous for making 17 managerial changes in his first 17 years with the team, including hiring and firing Billy Martin five times. In 1990, Steinbrenner was again banned by baseball for making an illegal payment to confessed-gambler Howie Spira to dig up damaging information on former star player and nemesis Dave Winfield (talk about the Grinch who stole Christmas). He returned in 1993 in time to see the Yanks become a dynasty, winning the World Series in 1996 and from 1998-2000.

George Steinbrenner remains controversial with a string of high-priced free agent signings which has taken the team payroll over $200 million in recent years – $70 million higher than their nearest competitor and $140 million higher than the average baseball payroll. Some critics have even accused Steinbrenner of trying to buy the championship ring, dubbing the Yankees the “Evil Empire.”

A satirical holiday cards design from Abercrombie & Fitch, Subtlety reminding their recipients that they just overpaid

This satirical holiday cards design for Abercrombie & Fitch is a simple, somewhat rustic design with your typical “Happy Holidays” sentiment and the A&F moose logo pictured on the front. It is the “PS: You Just Overpaid!” statement that truly makes this card enjoyable to receive. Talk about truth in advertising! How refreshing during the holiday season that a retailer admits to ripping off its customers. It would be even more enjoyable (and in the A&F tradition), if several male and female semi-nude or scantily clad models also adorned the card. For a company that sells clothing, they show very little of it on their advertising models!

Abercrombie & Fitch is a store that makes you feel good when you walk inside its doors. The merchandise is all properly folded and nothing is out of place. The mannequins are all nicely dressed in such coordinated fashions that you can’t help but want to buy every outfit they display. You walk through the store grabbing at everything to be tried on in the fitting room. You emerge with an armload of outfits and head to the cashier. It is then that the wonderful feeling you had when you walked through the door suddenly disappears. How much did I just spend? A small fortune! But, you take out your credit card, grab your bag and head out the door. Merry Christmas! I just lost my mind spending a small fortune on three t-shirts and a pair of shorts.

However in defense of A&F, they did help my son find his one and only girlfriend and consequently his current wife. Before I shipped him off to college, I opened an Abercrombie credit card and proceeded to spend way too much money on a complete preppie wardrobe for him. Over the course of the summer, he had stopped dressing like a skateboarding punk and cleaned up nicely in the process. I was thrilled with my new clean-cut version of a son, and even more thrilled that because of Abercrombie & Fitch, he is now someone else’s problem! Thank you A&F for over charging me. In this case, it was well worth it!

Holiday cards designed by Michelle Kwan for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundations

Two stars overlapping, one effortlessly flowing on top of the other. “Season’s Greetings” sweeping underneath them. Inside each star, a flourish of color. Behind the stars, a stark white background. Looking at all of these holiday cards elements, you might almost think that you are watching the marks left on the ice from the blades of an ice skater. There is a gracefulness to the lines making up the illustration above which might make you think of watching a poised world champion figure skater. It’s not that surprising then to discover that Michelle Kwan, winner of five World Championships, nine U.S. championships, and two Olympic Medals designed these holiday cards.

When you see the list of medals that she has won and the titles she has held, it is hard to believe that Michelle Kwan is not yet even 30! And still, with the consistency of her skating and her artistry on the ice, she is thought to be one of the greatest figure skaters of all time. Michelle began skating at age five, following both her brother and sister onto the ice. When she was eight years old, she began training in earnest and at age 12 began to compete at the senior level.

Despite her spectacular talent, the dream that eludes her is winning an Olympic Gold. She was an alternate on the 1994 team, but did not compete. A favorite to win gold in 1998, she placed second and earned a silver medal. Again, a favorite to place first at the 2002 games, she only won the bronze. In 2005 she injured both her hip and abdomen and withdrew from competitions which would enable her to compete in the 2006 Winter Games. She petitioned for a medical waiver to enable her to be placed on the team despite these injuries and was approved. During her first practice session in Turin, however, she suffered another injury forcing her to withdraw from the games. At the time, she did not indicate a desire to retire. Should she compete in 2010, she will be 29 years old. In October 2007, Michelle indicated that she would make a decision in 2009 about whether or not to compete in 2010. But until then, at least she can continue designing graceful holiday cards.