Chris Calle (American, B. 1961) "Marshall Islands Christmas" Signed lower right. Original Mixed Media on Illustration Board painting. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Republic of the Marshall Islands Christmas 2000 stamp issued October 26, 2000. On Christmas Day, men and women around the world set aside their differences and come together to celebrate the birth of Christ. The festive tradition of trimming the Christmas Tree originated in 16th century Germany. By the mid-1800s, the practice had spread throughout the world. Many holiday traditions have found their way across the vast reaches of the Pacific Ocean. Christmas has been celebrated in the Marshall Islands since the 1850s, when the first American Protestant missionaries arrived. In the Marshall Islands the Christmas spirit comes alive as colorful lights and ornaments decorate streets, shops, homes and trees. The Marshall Islanders have some of the most beautiful Christmas Trees in the world -- majestic palm trees showered with sparkling lights. Christmas is the most anticipated holiday in the Marshall Islands and is celebrated with festive foot-stomping dances and music. Image Size: 14.5 x 8.75 in. Overall Size: 17.75 x 12.25 in. Unframed. (B16881) See More