A standout holiday memory comes from 1991 when I discovered author/illustrator Patricia Polacco's book
Uncle Vova's Tree. It tells the story of grandparents, aunts, uncles, parents, and children who gather at the family's Michigan farmhouse to celebrate Christmas in the Russian tradition that is their heritage. Part of the story involves the children's making colorful paper stars with their Uncle Vova.
I bought the book immediately. I wanted
us to make Uncle Vova stars for
our tree! I rounded up bright color markers, streamers, scissors, glue, and bamboo kabob sticks, set up an impromptu workshop space, and my kids and I totally immersed ourselves. It was one of those little press-pause pockets of stillness that can make all the rush and commercialism and curmudgeonly feelings that often overtake the holiday fall away, leaving only light and joy in their place.
The best!
I made new vova stars this year, in keeping with my longstanding tradition of
creating an edition of handmade ornaments each year. The fun this time came from painting them. I
started somewhat inauspiciously in the quiet of a day in February, covering a sheet of paper intuitively. Continued
more enjoyably on a soon-to-follow snow day. The next day, really
got a groove going.
Kept my mojo in gear. Probably got a little too
smug, because soon thereafter
all hell broke loose!
But what fun I had tracing star shapes on the back of my two pages of painting, cutting out those stars, and then playing with the volunteer mini-compositions that emerged on the opposite side!
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| Vova stars, group photo |
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| Vova star, individual portrait |
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| Vova star, individual portrait |
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| Vova star, individual portrait |
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| Vova star, individual portrait |
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| Vova star, individual portrait |
