Morris Tourism Bureau unveils 2012 Nast Christmas tree ornament

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Each year, the Morris County Tourism Bureau offers a great holiday collectible: Christmas tree ornaments with illustrations by Thomas Nast, arguably Morristown’s most famous artist.

Here is this year’s ornament. We’ll let the tourism folks describe it.

FROM THE MORRIS COUNTY TOURISM BUREAU:

Give a Gift of History This Season —Thomas Nast Ornaments

The 2012 Thomas Nast Christmas tree ornament, available from the Morris County Tourism Bureau on Court Street in Morristown.
The 2012 Thomas Nast Christmas tree ornament, available from the Morris County Tourism Bureau on Court Street in Morristown.

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.

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  1. Macculloch Hall Historical Museum is home to the Thomas Nast collection. Come and see many of his works in the Thomas Nast gallery and throughout the Museum. Some of his most famous Christmas images will be on display beginning December 2nd. The Museum gift shop carries a range of Nast ornaments, including some of the Morris County Tourism Bureau designs, as well as other Nast and holiday items. Open during touring hours.

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