Jim Butcher (American, B. 1944) "Children Sledding" Signed and dated lower right. Original Mixed Media painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. It is not certain why December 25 was chosen as the day to celebrate Christ's birth. Scholars hypothesize that early Christians chose the date to coincide with a pagan Roman holiday marking the "birthday of the unconquered sun," which was a festival celebrating the winter solstice. This event occurred annually between the fall harvest and the spring planting. Taking all this into consideration, in 350 A.D. Pope Julius I declared December 25 the official day of the Nativity. This meant that in many parts of the world Christmas would be celebrated in winter. Not surprisingly snow on the ground, especially fresh snow, became part of the magic of Christmas. In parts of Scandinavia, sleighs were the most efficient method of travel during the winter and gained a holiday appeal. Even Santa Claus is portrayed delivering Christmas cheer in a sleigh. In parts of the United States where the climate is temperate, artificial icicles and snow are manufactured on Christmas to incorporate that all-important aspect of the season. Traditionally on Christmas morning, children would wake to find sleds under the tree. After all their gifts were opened and Christmas dinner was consumed, they would bundle up from head to toe to test the new toy on the snow-covered hills. The excitement of sledding has been captured in this artwork. Image Size: 16.25 x 13.75 in. Overall Size: 24.5 x 22 in. Unframed. (B07725)