Monthly Muse
December 2025
The Meaning Behind the Christmas Poinsettia
Every December, the brilliant red poinsettia appears in windows, churches, and holiday displays—but few people know the story behind this iconic Christmas bloom. Long before it became a festive favorite in New England households, the poinsettia grew wild in the hills of Mexico, where it was known as La Flor de Nochebuena—“Flower of the Holy Night.”
According to a cherished Mexican legend, a young girl wished to bring a gift to the Christ child but had nothing to offer. She gathered simple roadside weeds, carried them to the altar, and placed them beside the nativity. As the story goes, the humble bundle burst into vibrant red blossoms—a Christmas miracle symbolizing that even the simplest gifts, when given with love, become extraordinary.
The plant’s star-shaped leaves soon came to represent the Star of Bethlehem, while its deep red color symbolized warmth, hope, and the spirit of giving. In the 1800s, American ambassador Joel Poinsett introduced the plant to the United States, and by the early 20th century, clever growers helped it find its place as the official flower of Christmas.
Today, the poinsettia remains a radiant reminder that beauty often grows from the simplest beginnings. Its bright red leaves still whisper the same message shared centuries ago: generosity, hope, and the quiet magic of the holiday season.
Stephanie’s newest watercolor, Holiday Poinsettias, celebrates that legacy—capturing the elegance, symbolism, and timeless joy of a flower that has come to define Christmas itself.
Come see us at
Gilford High School Annual Holiday Craft Fair
December 6th
9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
This is our last show of the 2025 Season and is an incredibly popular show with shoppers and vendors. Arrive early, stay late in order to see all 120 booths. This is another great show to pick up holiday ornaments and gifts.
We are located in the Middle School cafeteria this year. We’ll have our full compliment of Greeting Cards, matted prints and original art. Mike has a number of late season prints he will be offering special pricing on.
We hope to see you there.
GILFORD HIGH & MIDDLE SCHOOLS
88 Alvah Wilson Rd, Gilford, NH 03249
The Gift of Art:
A Thoughtful Way to Celebrate the Holidays
Art makes a truly special gift—one that lasts far beyond the holiday season. Unlike many store-bought items, a painting, photograph, or handcrafted piece carries emotion, personality, and meaning. Whether it’s a landscape that stirs memories, a floral that brightens a room, or a piece that speaks to the heart, art can turn an ordinary moment into something unforgettable.
When shopping for art as a gift, consider the recipient’s style and living space. Think about colors they love, the mood you want to create, and the size of the piece. For those unsure of exact preferences, smaller matted prints or greeting card sets make excellent, versatile options.
This holiday season, give more than just a present—give beauty, inspiration, and a lasting memory through art.
Words Cannot Express . . .
Stephanie and I extend our heartfelt gratitude for every purchase—whether it’s a single greeting card, a matted print, or the honor of an original artwork finding its home with a collector. Each sale, large or small, truly means the world to us and helps sustain the creative journey we so cherish. Thank you for supporting our work, our vision, and our passion.
Despite the economic challenges of the last couple of years, 2025 has turned into a fairly good year. By mid-summer, sales of original art and larger framed fine-art pieces began to rise—not only from our own catalog but also for several of our artist friends. At the same time, inflation pushed the cost of materials and supplies up by as much as 50%, making every act of support, loyalty, and patronage even more deeply appreciated.
Wishing you a joyous Holiday Season filled with warmth and beauty, and a New Year rich with peace, prosperity, and inspiration.
Happy Birthday to Stephanie!
In a bold attempt to outsmart Father Time himself, my brilliant wife Stephanie declared war on aging a few years back. Her master plan? Simply count backwards from now on. Genius, right?
So this December 2nd, Stephanie officially turned 29… again.
Now, I gotta say, my memory of 29 involves a lot more reckless energy, questionable fashion choices, and the ability to eat an entire pizza without regret. Stephanie’s current 29 apparently comes with a PhD in “napping strategically,” a deep emotional bond with her heating pad, and the superpower of falling asleep during any movie louder than a Hallmark commercial.
Happy 29th (version 4.0), my love. You’re aging like fine wine… if that wine keeps relabeling the bottle to stay forever young. 🥂
In the Frame Shop
Normally we would feature images of what Stephanie McQuade has been working on but not finished. Due to circumstances unknown at this time, those images have pretty much remained unchanged for a while, probably due to commitments to family and the Lakes Region Art Gallery where we both have art of the walls.
So this month we are featuring items that are in for digitizing and framing. These were hurriedly photographed in less than ideal lighting. The actual paintings are bright with more depth.
Windswept by Stephanie McQuade is an 18”x 14” Acrylic painting on canvas, soon to be mounted in a 21.5”x 17.5” solid wood frame with wire hanger.
Poinsettia by Stephanie McQuade is an 9”x 12” Watercolor Painting. Greeting Cards have been printed but we are still waiting for the frame to arrive.
Due to their size, Mike had to order these from a printer in California who, printed them the wrong size. The correctly sized prints have now arrived and hope fully these framed prints will be available at the Gilford Arts & Crafts Fair on December 6th.
Dead of Winter by Mike McQuade is a 30”x 9.5” archival Fine Art print on Baryta stock printed with pigment inks, mounted in an acid free, Gallery White matte under non-glare glass and sealed in a black, wood frame.
Winter Orchard by Mike McQuade is a 30”x 9.5” archival Fine Art print on Baryta stock printed with pigment inks, mounted in an acid free, Gallery White matte under non-glare glass and sealed in a black, wood frame.
Old Cuckold Fog & Light Station by Mike McQuade is a 30”x 9.5” archival Fine Art print on Baryta stock printed with pigment inks, mounted in an acid free, Gallery White matte under non-glare glass and sealed in a black, wood frame.
