Without fail, the entries come tumbling in under the wire — but this year was very different. Yes, there were mail-in entries, but the vast majority of the well over 200 entries arrived as digital files via e-mail. We all seem to be a lot more tech-savvy since the pandemic forced us into bubbles, so perhaps that’s not a surprise, but it’s certainly a departure from past years.

In whatever form, what continues to astound us is the quality of the artwork, once again making the job of judging difficult. Within each of the three grade categories, the task of narrowing down the field of candidates grows tougher each year as the students bring their own perspective to the birth of Jesus. This year was no exception — the sampling of the entries on these pages show the talent that is in our schools.

Grade 7-8

In the Grades 7-8 category, there was one entry which stood out for us with its artistry, belonging to Rhianna John, a 12-year-old Grade 7 student at Our Lady of Lourdes in Brampton, Ont. Her intricate portrait of the Holy Family, with its soft blend of colours adding to the peacefulness of the Nativity scene, impressed our judges and made it our choice to grace The Register’s cover.

Rhianna John, Grade 7 (Winner)

Anita Emmanuel, Grade 8

Jasmine Fuerte, Grade 7

Marious Massicotte, Grade 8

Jennifer Dan, Grade 8

Isabella Limpiada, Grade 7

Evelyn Fernandes, Grade 7

Grade 4-6

In the Grades 4-6 category, it was Aviva Katzman’s entry that caught our eye and earned top prize. Silhouetted against a star-filled sky, a stable with its humble occupants stands out in a perfect Christmas scene. Aviva, 11, is a Grade 6 student at St. Patrick Catholic School in Ajax.

Aviva Katzman, Grade 6 (Winner)

Eva Pighin, Grade 5

Joelyn Chaina, Grade 6

Hosea Oluwatimilehin Adeyemo, Grade 4

Chiara Valenti, Grade 4

Lila Beneteau, Grade 5

Nelly Erabhahiemen, Grade 6

Grade 1-3

In the Grades 1-3 category, the winner is Tiana Tang, whose playful interplay of characters is very evident in her depiction of the scene at the stable. Surrounding the Holy Family, the angels, shepherds, wise men and even the animals all wear joyous expressions at the birth of the Saviour. Tiana, 6, is in Grade 1 at St. Henry Catholic School in Scarborough, Ont.

Tiana Tang, Grade 1 (Winner)

Lynn Trinity Pereira, Grade 1

Alessia Cari, Grade 2

John Jakimik, Grade 3

Tristan Provido, Grade 3

The winners and the selection of entries on these pages can also be viewed online at catholicregister.org. Each of the three winners receives $75 in Amazon gift certificates.

Thank you and Merry Christmas to all the participants.