Up on the Rooftop 

Scott Gustafson created this illustrative painting, “Up on the Rooftop,” to engage with well-established traditions around Christmas. He presents a scene of Santa Claus, with his helpers, carrying a sack full of toys towards a snow-covered house, all under a starlit sky. Gustafson’s image taps into the cultural narratives of gift-giving and childhood innocence that have shaped the modern idea of Christmas, especially in the United States. Santa’s jolly appearance, the presence of elves, and the eager faces of children peering out the window, all reinforce the sense of wonder and anticipation associated with the holiday. What's interesting is how the artist plays with the commercialization of Christmas, a phenomenon increasingly dominant since the late 19th century. To fully grasp Gustafson's intention, looking into the history of Christmas imagery and its evolution alongside consumer culture is essential. By analyzing the cultural context of this piece, we can better understand its role in reinforcing—or perhaps subtly questioning—the traditions and values associated with this widely celebrated holiday.