An Anna Joan Christmas card of the traditional, green-robed Father Christmas, aka Yule Father. 
 
For this illustration, I took inspiration from the Christian St. Nicholas, drawing him in a floor length robe and with a small, wooden cross which has been tied to his fabric belt and dangles parallel to a row of bells. On his staff sits a red robin, the symbol of the blood of Christ. The other figure who has inspired this design is the Pagan Holly King who, just like my Father Christmas, smokes a long pipe, carries an oak staff and, of course, adorns lots of holly. Along his robe you will see Saxon Runes, all with their own meaning that relate to the theme of Yule. On his hands he wears large rings over his gloves, decorates his beard with golden beads and wears a pagan band on his arm. He carries his classic red sack full to the brim with presents with an Anna Joan Suffolk hare sat on top, next to a small fir tree. Also part of the Suffolk theme, antlers from Suffolk stags dangle from his staff. 
 
I wanted to create a Christmas card that encompasses everything that Father Christmas is, one that respects and brings together all those who celebrate Christmas and the Winter Solstice, no matter their beliefs or traditions.