Mel Crawford (Canadian, B. 1925) "Girl with Teddy Bear at Christmas" Signed lower left. Original Oil painting on Masonite. 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 United States 15c Child on a Hobby Horse stamp issued October 18, 1978. As Christmas approaches, everyone waits for something -- the arrival of packages, the fall of the first snow, or the fun of decorating the tree. Children have the most difficult time waiting for the holiday, for it is in this glorious season that they hope to realize their most joyous dreams. To them, receiving a full-sized motorboat or a polar bear seems entirely possible. This custom of giving gifts around the new year -- so loved by children and adults alike -- began long before the birth of Christ. Early Romans bestowed presents of symbolic value to improve their friends' lot in the coming year. A sugared gift provided good humor, while a gold present assured increased wealth. In the Christian religion, the gift-giving custom originated when adoring Magi presented precious gifts to the newborn Christ. However, modern Christmas giving is much different from that first kingly offering. Today, the packages are beautifully wrapped with brightly colored bows and set under a Christmas tree aglow with shimmering tinsel and lights. This tree, an ancient German tradition, is the focal point of the Christmas festivities. Image Size: 20.5 x 18.25 in. Overall Size: 24.75 x 22 in. Unframed. (B05969)