By MICHAEL BOYLAN

Sports Editor

The story "The Night Before Christmas" is as much a part of the holiday season as caroling, gift-giving and eggnog. Everybody knows at least portions of Clement C. Moore's poem, even if they don't know who Clement C. Moore was. The most recent version published by Longstreet Press is illustrated by 80-year-old folk artist Howard Finster.

Finster, born in Alabama and raised in Georgia, started using art to spread spiritual messages more than 20 years ago. His messages typically surround his illustrations, and it is no different in "The Night Before Christmas."

Finster's artwork is very subtle, so much so it leaves you unimpressed at first glance. It looks like a child drew the disproportionate figures and landscapes and that is exactly where Finster succeeds. The Christmas spirit has a very whimsical and child-like quality and we are reminded of this through the colorful and intricate illustrations.

Finster's spirituality presents itself on virtually every page but restrains from being too heavy-handed. For instance, there are several pictures that feature angels of varying sizes and yet they fit within the context of the picture and the poem.

The good feeling of the holiday season is meant to be enjoyed by all people of all faiths and this book does seem to have a narrower view, stressing God and Jesus in the messages bordering the pages. These messages do not have as much to do with the story but are simple teachings of faith in God and Jesus. They draw attention to the real reason for the Christmas holiday but never detract from the story or the pictures.

There are most likely dozens of illustrated versions of "The Night Before Christmas," but Finster's is worth a look. It is visually appealing and the print is large and colorful for young readers. There is a brief biography on Howard Finster following the story, which some may find inspiring. I found that the illustrations made me more confident in my own artwork and self-expression and that may be the greatest gift to give your child this Christmas.

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