The Art of Christmas
- December 27, 2024
How one husband surprised his wife with a gift to treasure forever
A Swanzey resident confides that he and his wife are of that age when most of their life’s grand adventures may be behind them. Still full of life and energy, they both would like the years ahead to be just as wonderful as they can be. This holiday season, this gentleman set out on a mission to make a magical Christmas memory for his wife and daughter.
Once the owner of a goat at his place in Swanzey, he had purchased hay from George and Mary Iselin. It’s likely that everyone who knew George Iselin has fond memories of their interactions with him—as a hay farmer, farrier and man of many talents. Our gentleman has such memories of George and his wife Mary Iselin, a prominent artist in the Monadnock Region and a member of Monadnock Area Artists Association.
This story begins at the breakfast table one morning when the gentleman’s wife noticed a lovely image of a scene reminiscent of Currier & Ives on page 17 of the Shopper (Monadnock Shopper News). She slid the paper over to her husband. The image was captioned “‘Winter Revelry’ by Mary Iselin.” Gears began to turn and a plot began to form in the man’s mind. He had a vision of creating an unforgettable Christmas surprise. A gift that would set the mood for the remainder of their years. A holiday revelry of their own, hanging in their home.
The imaginative husband visited Mary Iselin one Saturday at Syd’s (the weekly gallery open house and artist meet) in November to develop his plan… but the painting wasn’t there yet! It was to be showcased in the grand opening of “Comfort & Joy,” the new exhibit opening at the Gallery@Syd’s in a few weeks. Mary explained this and they decided that he should visit Mary in her studio to see the piece.
He came and the rest in history.
Mary had committed the piece to the Gallery@Syd’s; it was featured in the event promotions. Not a problem for this determined husband. He imagined attending the Opening with his unsuspecting wife and showing her the impressive artwork. He envisioned her taking notice of the “SOLD” tag and feeling disappointment—some would call this a mean trick.
On the day of the Opening, the Christmas-loving wife came with their daughter because the husband wasn’t feeling well. She LOVED the painting, teared up when she saw it, and had a nice visit with Mary Iselin.
A week later, the husband returned to the Gallery@Syd’s with a giant box, perfect for transporting “Winter Revelry.” His holiday surprise unfolded just as he had hoped.
On Christmas morning, with some theatrical touches, his special gift was presented and received first in disbelief then happy tears. Although the wife had dreamed of owning the painting, she was stunned. And then delighted.
The couple listed the feelings the painting evokes: “…The joy that leaps off the canvas… having personal dear memories of Mary and George and the farm, and horses, and animals, and rich-heartedness.”
The husband adds poignantly, “When one of us has preceded the other in passing from this earth, we are certain the one who remains will have this painting and all its history.”
And so, for all their days, this happy couple will live in the spirit of Christmas. In the warm days of summer and the golden days of autumn, their home will be full of the comfort and joy of Mary Iselin’s marvelous painting.