I’ve worked in the visual arts (theatre, interiors, and graphic design) for over a decade, and I’ve never lost that passion for making. The Happy Ginger Co. is the digital home for my creative adventures.
Our words always hold meaning and magic. Sometimes, at Christmas, it feels like they hold a little bit more. A heartfelt salutation or thanks is like warmth in the cold of winter. And the stories of Christmas glow with a deep and abiding love. There are lots of magical words at Christmas, and some of mine came from the New York Sun. This newspaper’s response to a little girl named Virginia provides the inspiration for my Christmas book sign.
Most of us have heard the phrase, “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus,” and probably know the context of it. But if you’ve never read the entirety of that article, I highly recommend it!
In September of 1987 (see, lots of us are thinking about Christmas beyond December), a little girl wrote the New York Sun. Her letter read:
Dear Editor: I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, “ If you see it in THE SUN, it’s so.” Please tell me the truth, is there a Santa Claus?
– Virginia O’Hanlan
Her article was given to Francis P. Church, who previously served as a Civil War correspondent. His responding article brings me to tears every time I read it. Maybe that’s an overreaction, but I think, after you read it you’ll feel the same.
Wise children and adults know that being able to believe in “love and generosity,” two things we also cannot see, is at the heart of Christmas. You gotta have faith, baby. Little Virginia grew up to be a New York City school teacher who received a Masters and a Doctorate in Education, an incredible feat for a woman now, let alone in the early 20th century. She championed the importance of play in children, and how it created compassionate, capable adults.
In December of 1960, she was a guest on the Perry Como Show. After telling him about her wonderfully full life, Perry Como asked, “In other words, you’re convinced, really convinced, there is a Santa Claus?”
Virginia answered, “Absolutely. This letter has been answered for me thousands of times.”
Less than 500 words, the full response from journalist, Francis Church, is worthy of a read! You can see and read the article in its original printed form here. And, if you’d like to read more about little Viriginia’s life, this article is excellent.
Alright, so it’s not really a book. It’s a newspaper article. But I really love the design of the book page art that’s been so popular over the last few years. So, I adapted the article to fit the book page style.
And, you’re welcome to download my Yes, Virginia print here! Cheers!
We don’t actually have a mantel, so this buffet is kind of my stand in. When you’re decorating a long flat piece like this, think in layers. Everything should feel like it’s living in its own space but still overlapping with other pieces.
I like my tallest, boldest pieces in the back. Then I want to add shape and dimension in front of that. Finally, small touches that have great texture or shine get mixed in among it all. Keep moving and shuffling things about until you hit exactly the right mix of styled and gathered.
May we all keep our words warm and kind this Christmas season. And if you need a little reminder about love and generosity, this Christmas book page sign will do the trick.
Do you sell the printable file? I love, love, love this!!!
I’ll add that today to the blog!