An illustration from the Night Before Christmas. A field mouse is curled up in his matchbox bed under a plaid blanket. Cookies and milk laid out for Santa next to a candle on a thread spool table by Stephanie Beischer.

Not A Creature Was Stirring

This piece grew out of wanting a fresh spin on The Night Before Christmas, because even the tiniest creatures deserve a little holiday magic.

My approach:

  • Building the mouse's whole tiny world was my favorite part, a matchbox bed, a spool nightstand, gingerbread and milk left out just like tradition calls for

  • I wanted the story to unfold in one scene, the mouse asleep and dreaming of sugar plum fairies while Santa quietly delivers presents right outside his wall hole

  • Small details carry a lot of the charm here, mistletoe tucked into the scene, tiny scale cues that make the world feel lived in and complete

Good fit for: holiday cards, art prints, and festive decor

Available for license or purchase.

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