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Memories of Christmas
Christmas is the “Season of Light,” and the hue that permeates Memories of Christmas is the rosy glow of sunset. As you may know, I am partial to sunset; I believe that the drama and majesty of God’s creation is palpable when the fire of a glorious sunset bathes the land. I’ve painted Memories of Christmas at sunset for another reason as well – the nostalgic vision of life is often described as “seeing the world through rose-colored glasses.” I don’t mind admitting that the vision of community I want to express in this painting is perhaps best viewed through such tinted lenses!
Christmas is the season when we are sustained by the communities in which we live; when we share our joy with the people who celebrate along with us. I believe that real communities can still be found along the rural roads of America. But the spirit of sharing and caring seems in my imagination even more alive in simpler times, perhaps near the start of the 20th century.
I’ve portrayed such a place and time in Memories of Christmas. Tin Lizzie’s and other vintage automobiles share the road with horse-drawn sleighs; a kindly neighbor pauses to chat with a mother and her little girl. The neighborhood church is in session, the lights of a Christmas evening meeting beckoning the good town’s people to join the joyful celebration.
- Thomas Kinkade has hidden four N’s in Memories of Christmas as an ongoing tribute to his lovely wife Nanette.
- A mailbox surrounded by a blanket of snow has the year ’82 painted on the front to represent the year Thom and Nanette were married. The name of Thom’s second daughter, Chandler, appears on the side of the mailbox as well.
- Memories of Christmas is the second release in the Season of Lights Collection. The first release in this series was The Lights of Liberty, which features a romantic depiction of the national Christmas tree and the White House.
- Thom chose light as the subject of this new Christmas collection because he feels that the real light of Christmas is the light of God’s love shown through the birth of the baby Jesus.
- A nostalgic, optimistic vision of life is often described as “seeing the world through rose-colored glasses.” This same rosy tint is depicted in Memories of Christmas and comes from the beautiful glow of sunset.
| Title | Memories of Christmas |
| Published | September 2001 |
| Collection | Season of Lights II |
Image Sizes
18" x 24"
25½" x 34"
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