What would Christmas be without the joy of children? 

And what would Christmas be like at The Catholic Register without the joy of seeing so many children who understand the true meaning of Christmas?

Each year we have been asking children to show us, through their artistic handiwork, what Christmas is to them. And never are we disappointed — this year by the more than 100 entries we had or the thousands that have come in year’s past. 

Every year, it astonishes us how talented these young Catholics are, but more importantly, how they understand that the true meaning of Christmas lies in the manger in the Baby Jesus. Take a look at this small sample of these works over these pages to see for yourselves.

As the judges gather to choose the best entries, it seems to get tougher each year to make a choice. That’s a testament to the talent, yes, but it is a pleasurable choice we have to make as we see in an ever more secular world, the true message of Christmas is not lost on our youngest children. 

So with that, we announce this year’s top entries: in our youngest cohort, students in Grade 1-3, we chose the work of Isaiah Cruz, a Grade 2 student from Rockwood, Ont. In the Grade 4-6 division, Tiana Tang, a Grade 6 student from Scarborough, was chosen as top entry. And in the Grade 7-8 category, we’re pleased to announce Crystal Wang of Mississauga, Ont., as our winner. As a bonus, the Grade 8 student’s Nativity was chosen to grace the cover of our Christmas issue.

Congratulations to the winners, each of whom will receive a $100 Indigo gift card. And congratulations to all who entered. May we assure each and everyone of you, your entry brought a smile to all of our faces. 

A special thank you goes out to the teachers who encouraged their pupils to take part and to the parents for getting their children involved.

And from all of us at The Catholic Register, may you all have a Merry and blessed Christmas!

Mickey Conlon
Editor