Erik Nitsche (Swiss, 1908 - 1998) "Christmas - Mistletoe Boughs" Signed lower right. 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 Canada 39c Christmas stamp issued October 23, 1985. Each year, children all across Canada grow impatient and eager as the day of the Santa Claus Parade draws near, for this exciting, colorful event marks the beginning of the Christmas Season for Canadians of all ages. Santa's first parade appearance in Canada is thought to have been in 1905, in Toronto. He made a short procession through the city's streets in his sleigh as part of a parade organized by the T. Eaton, Ltd. Department Store. Through the years, the parade grew steadily as floats, bands, honor guards, colorful smiling clowns, storybook characters and popular horse and rider teams were added. The early parades differed, however, in that spectators joined in the delightful revelry. Ever so often the parade would stop and, as the band played, everyone sang Christmas carols while Santa handed out candies to the excited young carollers. The Christmas season is also a time for festive displays of mistletoe. Image Size: 14 x 12 in. Overall Size: 20 x 15 in. Unframed. (B09893)