Chistmas Story

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Here’s a little Christmas story captured on canvas — a moment of discovery, surprise, and childhood wonder. Take a look at the painting first, and then read on...


Can you guess why this boy is open-mouthed in this painting?

Take a moment to look at this charming work by Norman Rockwell, the American illustrator whose scenes of everyday life became iconic. In this classic Christmas painting from 1956, a young boy makes a startling discovery involving mistaken identities and a very familiar red coat.

While snooping in his parents’ bedroom, he stumbles upon the famous suit — and suddenly everything falls into place. Rockwell captures that instant of shock so vividly that it almost leaps off the page. But the true pleasure of the painting lies in its details: the worn dresser with its nicks and stains, the twine that once held the box shut, the mothballs scattered on the carpet, the open door hinting at the boy’s quiet entry, even a glimpse of the neighbour’s house outside. Only Rockwell would lovingly tuck so much atmosphere into a single frame.

The young model, Scott Ingram, became a minor celebrity for his perfect “gobsmouthed” expression. Fan mail arrived, autograph requests followed, and he even appeared on television with Rockwell — all because of the astonished look he held for this cover.

Once again, Rockwell shows us that the most engaging moments are not the dramatic ones but the simple scenes we recognise from our own lives — moments that affirm our memories and feelings with a quiet warmth.

So here’s wishing you all a Merry Christmas. No revelations that will leave you "gobsmouthed" — only the gentle contentment and good cheer that the season brings.


You may also want to read my piece on:  Saturday Art: "Two Experiences, Two Stories"

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