It’s that wonderful time of year when we celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah and, yes, Festivus.  I devote much of the year to writing my commentaries on various topics.  Today, I am using art in its many forms to commemorate the holidays for all of my readers.

I begin, of course, with two religious stories, the birth of Christ and the eight nights and days of the Jewish festival Hanukkah, commemorating the recovery of Jerusalem.

The image of Santa Claus has been with us in many artistic styles, but I like the one here best.  When Kramer (no relation), the delightful character in the Seinfeld series, burst into the room as Santa, you had to laugh.

One of the Seinfeld shows featured the December 23, celebration of Festivus, as Frank Costanza told of this alternate holiday in response to the commercialization of Christmas. 

The airing of grievances, when those around the table get to tell others how they disappointed them during the year, was good for laughs.  I recall making a Festivus tree one year (below) just for the fun of it, but with no grievances.

Norman Rockwell captured Christmas in many ways, including one of a father struggling to wrap a gift.

May you and your family have a Merry Christmas, remembering the true reason we celebrate it.