Michael Garland: Opening Christmas Present

Artist: Michael Garland
1952 -
Nationality: American
Artwork Year: 1995
Image Size: 12 by 15 inches
Overall Size: 15 by 20 inches
Medium: Acrylic on Cold Press Illustration Board

Giving gifts around the year's end was a tradition established long before Christianity. Historically, the Romans gave symbolic gifts for the New Year: for the sweetness of the coming months -- honeyed things; for light and warmth -- lamps; and for wealth -- gold and silver. This time of year also brought the celebration of many pagan holidays. One aspect of the ceremonies conducted during these feasts was offering gifts to appease evil spirits. According to the biblical account of the Nativity, the first genuine Christmas gifts were the gold, frankincense and myrrh presented to the Christ child by the Magi. All of these traditions influenced the modern celebration of Christmas. In fact, the act of gift-giving for the holiday was well established as early as the 12th century. By the Victorian era Christmas had become an elaborate event. All sorts of foods as well as handmade toys were exchanged among family and friends. Well-behaved children would anticipate a visit from Saint Nicholas on Christmas Eve. Often old wooden toys would be stripped and refinished, and a faint scent of varnish would emanate from beneath the Christmas tree. Not only was the giving and receiving of gifts an important part of Christmas, but the creative and elegant wrappings themselves also contributed to the holiday. Though the variety of Christmas gifts has changed over time, one thing that hasn't is the anticipation on children's faces as they open their presents.

This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood® First Day Cover for the U.S. 32¢ Child Holding a Tree stamp issued September 30, 1995.

Artwork Copyright © 1995 Unicover Corporation. All Rights Reserved under United States and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, transmit, or otherwise exploit the Artwork in any way. Images of the Artwork may be watermarked and/or digitally watermarked. Any sale of the physical original does not include or convey the Copyright or any right comprised in the copyright.

Our Stock Number (SKU): XB15084

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