view from the landing

Medium

Digital

Artist Notes

© 2010 RC deWinter ~ All Rights Reserved ~ ~ ~ 'It was always exciting to wake on Christmas morning; after a night spent dreaming of reindeer and plum pudding Teddy and I would wrap up in robes over our nightwear and rush to descend the main staircase to the front parlor, where our beautiful tree would be glittering in the sunlight. Underneath and around it would be scattered the surprises Santa Claus has delivered.' ~ ~ ~ 'Teddy and I would pick up each package, turning and shaking gently to try to discover what might be hidden within. We had been strictly instructed by Papa to wait until he, Mama and Auntie Rose joined us before opening what awaited. However, we generally made enough noise pattering down the wooden stairs, giggling and chattering, that the wait was never long.' ~ ~ ~ 'As I grew older and finally knew that the existence of Santa Claus was an elaborate conspiracy between Papa, Mama and Auntie, although still eager to open the thoughtfully chosen gifts, I would often pause on the final downward landing in the stairwell on those long-ago Christmas mornings to admire the beauty of the sunlight streaming in through the stained glass window, glistening on the adornments so lovingly and carefully placed to celebrate the season.' ~ from the diary of Ellen Fall (1889-1965)