Christmas Eve has dawned sunny, very cold and icy. Rains the other night washed away the snow and left us with a thin layer of frosty ice. No white Christmas this year – despite the weather man’s assurance there would be.
My gifts have been sorted, wrapped, and under the tree for a few days. I used to hoard them in my closet only to put them out late Christmas Eve for maximum effect Christmas morning. With Hannah all grown up, that wow factor doesn’t seem important.
As is my habit, each Christmas Eve, I share a picture of a linoleum print created by my great-great-aunt, Elizabeth Strobel. Curiously the family name ends in “bel” but she spelled it “ble” on her art. She was an art teacher at Central High School in St. Paul, Minnesota. She designed and carved these linoleum block print posters – sometimes with her students and other times on her own as is the case with this one. She sent these out each year to family and friends. I’ve heard that they were her greeting cards, and others have told me they were intended as wrapping paper. This print is the 12th Christmas that I’ve shared a poster, and there are still many more to come!
Her posters always feature Mary, baby Jesus, angels, and sometimes a St. Nicholas. Deer and other wildlife often make an appearance.
This poster reads:
Turn back O man for-swear thy foolish ways
Earth shall be fair and all her People one
“Earth shall be fair and all her People one.” Such a hopeful thought is as meaningful today as when Elizabeth created this art.
Here’s hoping you are safe and with the ones you love this Christmas Eve. Wishing you a Christmas filled with Peace and Joy.
Susan
24 Dec 2020 – history about and images of Elizabeth
24 Dec 2019
24 Dec 2017
24 Dec 2016
24 Dec 2015
24 Dec 2014
24 Dec 2013
24 Dec 2012
24 Dec 2011
24 Dec 2010
