Mel Crawford (Canadian, B. 1925) "Sleigh Ride to Get Christmas Tree" Signed lower left. Original Mixed Media painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 20c Season's Greetings stamp issued October 28, 1981. The magic of Christmas is a powerful magic indeed. "Miracles happen only to those who believe in them" says an old French proverb. At Christmastime people enjoy believing in miracles. The very atmosphere tingles with anticipation of wishes that might come true. At Christmas, man recaptures some of the lighthearted faith of childhood, when it was easy to believe in Teddy Bears riding sleighs, when it was even possible to hear (if one listened closely) the faint jingle of the sleigh bells in that endless night of waiting for Christmas Day to dawn. Now is the time when children reveal their impossible desires. Little girls are not afraid to ask for ponies, little boys dream of space ships that will really fly to the moon. Even sensible adults are caught up in the spirit of what-might-be. A vision of perfect happiness is part of the season, and they plunge willingly into all sorts of preparations and plans in order to give this priceless gift on Christmas Day. So the sense of excitement grows until Christmas morning dawns at last, making clear what all the preparation and waiting meant. The miracle had happened after all: it was the birth of Christ, which took place nearly 2,000 years ago, but still happens in the hearts of people every Christmas of every year! The delightful reproduction of a Teddy Bear on a Sleigh on the stamp featured on this First Day Cover was issued in Christmas Valley, Oregon, on October 28, 1981. Image Size: 14 x 11.75 in. Overall Size: 17.25 x 14.75 in. Unframed. (B07414)