On Christmas Day and beyond stretches a reflective moment when we look back at the festivities. For many, it’s a time to simply relax and be with their families. What better way to relax than by looking at art? Here are some artworks that best portray the spirit of the holiday season as it comes to a close.

The Adoration of the Shepherds by Guido Reni

Christmas time is seen as a solemn occasion as it is the time we recall the birth of Jesus Christ in the manger. In this season, it’s commonplace to see the Nativity scene gracing the entrances of churches or the altars in our homes. Italian painter Guido Reni’s depiction of the classic scene in The Adoration of the Shepherds shows the perspective of the shepherds who had witnessed the Lord’s birth. Amid the darkness of Bethlehem, the baby Jesus stands out as the brightest subject in the painting. The only other light present in the artwork comes from the cherub angels from the heavens above. What once was a gloomy area filled with the darkness of the cold desert night is now turned into a symbol of serenity and hope.

Self Portrait with Bandaged Ear by Vincent van Gogh

Vincent van Gogh, whose artworks were underappreciated in his day, has a gloomy aura during the holiday season that might feel familiar to some. In one of his letters to his brother Theo, Vincent goes on about the seemingly never-ending gloominess of the winter season. He ends on a positive note by thinking about the warm summer days just a few moments away, “When I compare the state of the weather to our state of mind and our circumstances, subject to change and fluctuation like the weather, then I still have some hope that things may get better.” Unfortunately, on the night before Christmas Eve in 1888, van Gogh suffered from a mental breakdown after a supposed fight with fellow painter Paul Gauguin and cut off part of his left ear before sending it off to a woman. The results are seen through his painting Self Portrait with Bandaged Ear. As bleak as it seems, this painting shows a ray of hope for the troubled artist, continuing to create despite being in his lowest of lows. It makes for a perfect piece to reflect upon just before the New Year comes as it serves as a reminder that anyone can keep moving forward after tragedy.

Père Noël by Pablo Picasso

There’s a childlike wonder that lingers around the holiday season. Perhaps due to the merriment and joy spread about by the exchanging of gifts and carolers singing. It’s a playful time, similar to the whimsical creations of cubism master Pablo Picasso. In his later years as an artist, Picasso would find joy in simply creating what he felt like making. Several new artworks pushed the boundaries of the norms back then whereas some had a childish nature to it. Picasso’s Père Noël is the perfect example. This simple portrait of Santa Claus looks almost as if it were scribbled by a child. Even its medium, crayons, is one primarily used by children. But that didn’t stop the artist from creating what he pleased, an attitude that more people could use in life. 

Christmas Tree of Butterflies by Salvador Dali

For those in a rush, a well-thought-out Christmas card makes for a simple way of showing others you care. Now imagine being gifted a card containing art by a well-known artist! In the late 1940s, Hallmark founder Joyce Clyde Hall had the idea of having designs made by contemporary artists grace their Christmas cards. These included the likes of Pablo Picasso, Georgia O’Keeffe, Vincent van Gogh, and the surrealist painter Salvador Dali. He delivered 10 images for the greeting card company, most of which were surrealist visions of the Holy Family and Christmas trees. Among those that stand out is Christmas Tree of Butterflies, a painting where a Christmas tree is formed by butterflies in what appears to be barren land. Two figures can be seen marveling at its beauty. Unfortunately, only two of the 10 paintings went on to be sold but even those met the fate of being pulled out of shelves after not selling too well. 

Tired Salesgirl on Christmas Eve by Norman Rockwell

Christmas comes with a sense of nostalgia for years gone by. This reminiscent energy is best felt through viewing a Norman Rockwell painting. Something about its retro style just makes you yearn for a simpler time. Rockwell has several works that depict the cheery holiday mood but one stands out for taking a different approach. Tired Salesgirl on Christmas Eve gives us a glimpse of those who must work through Christmas to make ends meet. It serves as a great reminder that many out there forego celebrating with their families to make a living and ensure others’ Christmas can go smoothly. May it remind us of all the retail workers, riders, security guards, call center agents, and so on who soldier on at a time while most are winding down from the just-concluded Christmas rush.