The first star is already flashing on the dark blue clear sky while children make the last dumplings. Mother watches over the mushroom soup in the pot and sometimes looking on the table to make sure there are enough dumplings, and they don’t have to cut more bread. Kutia is already on the table; a ceramic jug keeps the compote warm. The husband checks the treats for carolers and baning the cat away from the sausages. The family finishes their last tasks so that they can sit down for dinner. And just at this moment, the first carolers knock on the door – loud and cheerful, singing the old carol. They step inside, singing and holding a homemade star in their hands, and the violinist plays a lovely melody. Carolers sing loudly and confidently to drive away all evil energy from the house and to please the hosts. The baby claps and laughs in the mother’s arms while the dad listens to carolers.
The house is filled with the spirit of celebration and joy. Plates and jugs on the shelves catch the light from the wax candles on the table. Mushroom soup still boils. The cat sits on the stove, warming up and listening to the melody, looking at the delicious piece of sausage kept for tomorrow.
The holiday came, filling the house with excitement, smiles and happiness.
Three of us worked on this ceramic picture for a long time, considering and discussing every detail. In some sense, it is our vision of this elusive but so resounding and cosy Holy Evening, when you feel happy and instead of saying something, you can only smile. The ceramic picture “Christmas” is 91×68 cm (sgraffito technique, made of one piece of clay) made by our family – Igor, Christina and Maria-Tereza Trots. Myroslav Radysh makes the wooden carved frame.
