Thomas Nast, America’s greatest illustrator, created iconic political party symbols such as the Elephant and Donkey, Uncle Sam, and Columbia. His genius was in his illustrations of the Christmas holiday. His Santa Claus, first in the United States, now stretches across the globe.

Nast’s images of Santa Claus were the beginning of his holiday drawings. Frequently using his family and servants with the backdrop of his home in Morristown, NJ Nast offered the readers of Harpers Weekly annual surprises of illustrated Christmas cheer.

On January 7, 1882 Nast presented “The Christ Child” in the companion magazine Harper’s Bazaar. Cyril Nast, the artist’s youngest child, is believed to be the model. The chubby cheeks and happy smile is betrayed by the wreath of mistletoe he wears, forbearing a crown of thorns. The Dove of Peace is perched atop the globe and a ribbon proclaiming ‘Peace on Earth, goodwill toward Men’ entwines the image.

“The Christ Child” is offered as a beautiful holiday ornament from the Morris County Tourism Bureau. This holiday decoration is part of a series of a collection representing Morris County’s most famous artist.

‘Twas the Night before Christmas’ (1876) portrays one of Nast’s sons hanging a stocking in the family home in Morristown, on a beautiful blue ornament.

These ornaments are beautiful stocking stuffers, hostess or employee appreciation gifts. They are manufactured in the USA using only American materials. 10% of the proceeds will go to the American Red Cross, Hurricane Sandy relief.

Each ornament is $10 plus tax.

Reserve your ornaments in time for the holidays: call or email us. Because the ornaments are glass, we ask that you pick your order up by December 19th from the Morris County Tourism Bureau, 6 Court Street (across from the Morris County Court House) in Morristown (973)631-5151 canton@morristourism.org.