“Wonder knocks at the deepest doors of the human soul,
an invitation to again see through the eyes of the child within –
the one who though cloistered for years still waits to see, to hear, to smell,
to taste, to touch, to wonder.” ~ Wm. Paul Young
The “true meaning of Christmas” is a question many of us find ourselves asking this time of year. You might be surprised to learn though that it’s not actually a new one, despite ever-growing complaints of commercialization being a modern phenomena. This question was already being asked as far back as the mid-19th century when Christmas first began shifting from being a celebration of the birth of Jesus towards being more secular and economically driven.
Much of that shift was the unintentional result of A Visit From St. Nicholas, the iconic poem more commonly known as Twas the Night Before Christmas. It was first published anonymously in 1823 but later attributed to Clement Clarke Moore. Often called "the best-known verse ever written by an American", its original intent was to be simply a gift for the author’s children. However, it would go on to popularize Santa and have a massive impact on the concept of gift exchanging we are so familiar with today.
In 1889, The American Magazine expressed the sentiment: "To give up one's very self — to think only of others — how to bring the greatest happiness to others — that is the true meaning of Christmas.” Of course, Charles Dickens' classic Victorian tale, A Christmas Carol, published much earlier in 1843, explored that sentiment through the reluctant Scrooge’s life-changing visitations by three ghostly apparitions. On Christmas Eve Scrooge was shown the contrast between his past and present circumstances as well as his not-so-cheery future if he kept up his miserly ways. I still watch the old black and white movie version starring Alistair Sim every year because there is just something about the message in that story that I like being reminded of.
There is also something very special about another black and white gem from 1946, It’s A Wonderful Life, starring Jimmy Stewart. Over the years it has become one of my most beloved adult traditions. Christmas Eve simply isn’t “holy night” until I have had a visit with George Bailey and his guardian angel Clarence. Afterwards, I find myself listening for the sound of a bell ringing, the reassurance that yet another angel has earned its wings by helping a down-on-their-luck soul realize their value to those they love.
I’m sure many of you, like me, grew up in the 1960’s, an era when many numerous television Christmas classics first debuted. Who can forget Linus reciting biblical verse to a despairing friend, reminding him that the birth of Christ is “what Christmas is all about Charlie Brown”. Or the Grinch’s heart growing three times in size as the generosity of a wee Who in Whoville melted his icy cynicism.
All of these stories address the same question: what is the real meaning of Christmas? Is it gifts under the tree, houses decked out with lights, cards in the mail, eating turkey, enjoying time with family and friends, playing in the snow, children hanging stockings, a Nativity scene, donating an anonymous gift to someone in need, watching old movies and wishing a "Merry Christmas" to complete strangers? I think it’s a little bit of all those things combined - plus many, many more - which add up to a feeling that is mostly indescribable.
I have to admit I often get a bit “Grinchy” and “Scroogey” in the weeks leading up to the holidays, but something magical happens around Christmas Eve and I find myself, once again, “seeing through the eyes of the child within, waiting to see, to hear, to smell, to taste, to touch, to wonder”.
I have no doubt this is exactly how three wise men felt while viewing a blazing new star in the night sky and the awe certain shepherds had upon receiving an angelic message. Or how Scrooge felt as he threw open his window on Christmas morning and the Grinch as his heart melted. Christmas isn’t just one thing; Christmas is many things - many different things, to many different people.
While today my adult self may choose to celebrate the Winter Solstice as much as I do Christmas, it is the recognition that in the end they both come down to symbolizing the same essential idea … the rebirth of hope, innocence and love in our world, whether it be in the form of the Sun’s warmth and energy returning or the birth of the Son of God. This is truly the magic, the wonder and the real meaning of Christmas.
So, it is at this time of wonder that I humbly offer my annual selection of small giftable items from my studio which can be ways to bring a little happiness to someone else which - after all - is the true meaning of Christmas. May you enjoy dreaming, wondering and remembering as you browse and read more well-known quotes from some of my Christmas favourites.
If something takes your fancy you can place an order by email or drop by the studio over the next couple of weeks to shop in person. Payment can be made by cash, e-transfers or credit card but the hugs are always free of charge!
“Seeing is believing, but sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can’t see.” The Polar Express (2004)
It has become an annual tradition for me to offer this magical workshop in preparation for the winter Solstice. It's a mindful way of taking a quiet pause during this busy season to reflect, reorient yourself and rebirth intentions for the new year to come. By carving runes, symbols and other magical marks on a candle and decorating it with special charms you can activate those dreams and wishes. What better way to welcome in the Solstice … so burn yourself a candle bright and invite all to dance in its gentle light. $75 per person. Read more details by clicking here.
“Look, Daddy. Teacher says, every time a bell rings an angel gets his wings.” It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
JOURNALS & PENCIL CASES
Dream, Create, Believe ... my line of 100% Canadian-made journals featuring gorgeous reproductions of my art make the ideal gift for the dreamer, writer or doodler in your life. The wrap-around cover has a detail of one of my paintings on the front with the full image printed on the back. Inside are pages and pages of unlined creamy paper, just waiting to be filled. The very first page of each journal is printed with a quote hand-picked to match the image.
10 different journal designs to choose from - $30 each
MATCH IT UP!
Several of my journal designs have matching pencil cases but these delightful little bags can be used to hold just about anything … makeup, change or credit cards. Add one of my matching pendants and a mandala print or card and you have a beautiful gift set!
Pencil Cases $20 each
“Maybe Christmas, he thought… doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps… means a little bit more!” How The Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)
MANDALA ART PENDANTS
The calming, meditative energy of one of my mandala designs is a perfect gift. Each pendant is hand-crafted with a durable epoxy resin protecting the printed image and comes on a fully adjustable leather cord with silver clasp. With so many different images to choose from it’s easy to find one that reflects the essence of that special someone'sspirit.
Pendants $40 each.
“You must believe in Mr. Kringle and keep right on doing it. You must have faith in him.”Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
ENCOURAGEMENT CARDS
For the horse lover or anyone who needs a little grace ... suitable for framing or sending, each of the "spirit horses" in my Grace Collection of equine images represents a quality to live by and can provide the perfect statement of encouragement at just the right moment. Each card is printed on rich glossy paper with an inspirational message on the front and back but blank on the inside to let you write your own words. Pair a card set with a matching print or pillow and you have an ideal gift.
Individual Cards with Envelope $6 each
Set of 5 Different Cards with Envelopes $25(includes Grace, Hope, Faith, Courage and Surrender)
Pillows
I currently have two of my "spirit horses" - Grace and Surrender - printed on these velvety soft custom-printed cuddle pillows. 100% Canadian made! The perfect accent item for a special chair or corner.
18" Printed Pillow Case with Pillow Form $75 each
“I just like to smile, smiling's my favorite” Elf (2003)
ASSORTED CARDS AND PRINTS
As always, I have a large selection of both small and large prints and beautiful eco-friendly cards featuring many of my mandala designs. They can be mixed and matched with other products to create a beautiful themed gift set. I am always happy to help you pick the perfect combinations.
Cards $10 each
8”x8” Matted Prints $20 each
15”x15” Matted Prints $40 each
UPCOMING WORKSHOPS & COURSES
For those already looking forward to a new year and new aspirations, be sure to keep checking my website to see what's coming up for 2019. I will be adding lots of workshops and other offerings over the next couple of weeks.
In the meantime, here are a few teasers to get you wondering and planning ...
An Introduction to Tarot & Oracle Cards - A Magical Mystical Hero's Quest – Saturday January 12 with the full program beginning in February. Not sure what to do with that new deck you might be getting this Christmas? Learn some of the history and magic behind this ancient divination system and how to do simple readings.
The Way of the Wheel Mentorship Program - Introductory Session Saturday February 9. This experiential program will introduce you to the Nature-based shamanic path as you live and learn the dynamics of the Medicine Wheel, an ancient, time-honoured tool for finding balance and right-relationship in our chaotic world.
THEMED CREATIVITY WORKSHOPS - Full details will be on my website shortly but here's a sneak preview!
What's Your Number/What's Your Word? Saturday, January 5. This fun new workshop will really start 2019 off right! A brief introduction to the art of numerology will help determine what the best energies will be for you to work with in the year ahead. From there can you will choose a specific word (or words) to creatively "decorate" using a fun and easy method called zentangling.
Creative Oasis - Mandala Making, Meditation, Tea and Chakra Balancing – Saturday February 16, the perfect relaxing mid-winter "art spa" day to creatively chase away the winter blues.
Winter Trees "Negative Painting" Technique Watercolour Workshop– Saturday February 23. For those who love to paint discover the beauty and magic of watercolour with this "revealing" technique
ONGOING CLASSES you can join anytime
Drawing Classes– Enjoy the calm, relaxing atmosphere of my studio as you learn all the basics of drawing. My gentle, supportive approach to teaching is suitable for complete newbies as well as more experienced. Classes are every Wednesday and Sunday afternoon.
Acrylic Painting Classes – learn new techniques and build your skills as you work on subject matter and style of your own choosing under my guidance and with lots of encouraging peer support. Ongoing classes every Thursday afternoon and have only 4-5 students so you get lots of attention. For both newbies and more experienced painters.
Wonder and Imagination is the beginning of Creation ...also in the new year I will be announcing some exciting new options for enjoying more of life "under the dancing moon" so stay tuned!
PURCHASING & ORDERINGI welcome you to come by my studio at the Alton Mill Arts Centre to browse or make a purchase. I will be at the studio most afternoons from 12:30 to 5 pm, Wednesdays through Sundays from now until Christmas Eve. Purchases can also be sent by mail or courier (with additional shipping and handling charges).
Quantities are limited on some items so if you wish to pre-order for pick-up at my studio just give me a call at 519-942-2018 or email artist@dancingmoondesigns.ca.
Payment can be made by cash, VISA, Mastercard or Amex as well as by E-Transfer for emailed orders Wishing You all the Wonder of the Season!
CJ Shelton
Artist & Facilitator Dancing Moon Designs Illuminating the Creative Spirit ...
The “true meaning of Christmas” is a question many of us find ourselves asking this time of year. You might be surprised to learn though that it’s not actually a new one, despite ever-growing complaints of commercialization being a modern phenomena. This question was already being asked as far back as the mid-19th century when Christmas first began shifting from being a celebration of the birth of Jesus towards being more secular and economically driven.
Much of that shift was the unintentional result of A Visit From St. Nicholas, the iconic poem more commonly known as Twas the Night Before Christmas. It was first published anonymously in 1823 but later attributed to Clement Clarke Moore. Often called "the best-known verse ever written by an American", its original intent was to be simply a gift for the author’s children. However, it would go on to popularize Santa and have a massive impact on the concept of gift exchanging we are so familiar with today.
In 1889, The American Magazine expressed the sentiment: "To give up one's very self — to think only of others — how to bring the greatest happiness to others — that is the true meaning of Christmas.” Of course, Charles Dickens' classic Victorian tale, A Christmas Carol, published much earlier in 1843, explored that sentiment through the reluctant Scrooge’s life-changing visitations by three ghostly apparitions. On Christmas Eve Scrooge was shown the contrast between his past and present circumstances as well as his not-so-cheery future if he kept up his miserly ways. I still watch the old black and white movie version starring Alistair Sim every year because there is just something about the message in that story that I like being reminded of.
There is also something very special about another black and white gem from 1946, It’s A Wonderful Life, starring Jimmy Stewart. Over the years it has become one of my most beloved adult traditions. Christmas Eve simply isn’t “holy night” until I have had a visit with George Bailey and his guardian angel Clarence. Afterwards, I find myself listening for the sound of a bell ringing, the reassurance that yet another angel has earned its wings by helping a down-on-their-luck soul realize their value to those they love.
I’m sure many of you, like me, grew up in the 1960’s, an era when many numerous television Christmas classics first debuted. Who can forget Linus reciting biblical verse to a despairing friend, reminding him that the birth of Christ is “what Christmas is all about Charlie Brown”. Or the Grinch’s heart growing three times in size as the generosity of a wee Who in Whoville melted his icy cynicism.
I have no doubt this is exactly how three wise men felt while viewing a blazing new star in the night sky and the awe certain shepherds had upon receiving an angelic message. Or how Scrooge felt as he threw open his window on Christmas morning and the Grinch as his heart melted. Christmas isn’t just one thing; Christmas is many things - many different things, to many different people.
Pillows
As always, I have a large selection of both small and large prints and beautiful eco-friendly cards featuring many of my mandala designs. They can be mixed and matched with other products to create a beautiful themed gift set. I am always happy to help you pick the perfect combinations.
Payment can be made by cash, VISA, Mastercard or Amex as well as by E-Transfer for emailed orders
