Sports Editor

The story "The Night Before Christmas" is

as much a part of the holiday season as caroling,

gift-giving and eggnog. Everybody knows at least

portions of Clement C. Moore's poem, even if they

don't know who Clement C. Moore was. The most

recent version published by Longstreet Press is illustrated

by 80-year-old folk artist Howard Finster.

Finster, born in Alabama and raised in Georgia, started using art to spread spiritual messages

more than 20 years ago. His messages typically

surround his illustrations, and it is no different in "The

Night Before Christmas."

Finster's artwork is very subtle, so much so it leaves you unimpressed at first glance. It looks like

a child drew the disproportionate figures and landscapes and that is exactly

where Finster succeeds. The Christmas spirit has a very whimsical

and child-like quality and we are reminded of this through the

colorful and intricate illustrations.

Finster's spirituality presents itself on virtually every page

but restrains from being too heavy-handed. For instance, there

are several pictures that feature angels of varying sizes and yet

they fit within the context of the picture and the poem.

The good feeling of the holiday season is meant to be enjoyed

narrower view, stressing God and Jesus in the messages

bordering the pages. These messages do not have as much to do with the

story but are simple teachings of faith in God and Jesus. They draw

attention to the real reason for the Christmas holiday but never

detract from the story or the pictures.

There are most likely dozens of illustrated versions of "The

Night Before Christmas," but Finster's is worth a look. It is visually

appealing and the print is large and colorful for young readers.

There is a brief biography on Howard Finster following the story,

which some may find inspiring. I found that the illustrations made me

more confident in my own artwork and self-expression and that may

be the greatest gift to give your child this Christmas.

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