During the bustling holiday season, evenings downtown are full of glitter, lights, music and people bursting with excitement over the joyous time that is upon them. The Courthouse, which during any other time of year, is a central focus point within this small town, is now taking second to the beauty of the marvelous tree that takes the center of attention.

Thom’s hometown of nostalgic Placerville, California during the Christmas season.  I would love to go back in time and “celebrate this wonderful holiday with my great grandparents or perhaps even with Charles Dickens in Victorian England.”  Included, in this work, shoppers, wonderful decorations, antique cars, and snow.  The snow is “nature’s Christmas decoration.”  Merritt’s name graces a store located on the right-hand side of the painting.

— Thomas Kinkade