The evidence flowed into The Catholic Register’s website as well as our mailbox at the office over the past few weeks, almost overwhelming our judges for the annual children’s Christmas drawing contest.

Well over 700 entries came in, most by the digital route, making our job of judging entries a tough one, but nevertheless a very pleasant one as well.

Within each of the three grade categories — Grades 1-3, 4-6 and 7-8 — 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. That was again the case this year, even moreso because of the astounding number of entries.

The entries on these pages shows the talent that abounds in our schools.

And now onto the winners ….

Grade 7-8

In the Grade 7-8 category, the judges were most impressed with the picture drawn by 13-year-old Eliza Siglowy. With the star of Bethlehem bathing the Holy Family in its light, the scene in the stable takes on a holy, peaceful glow. Eliza is a Grade 8 student at Holy Trinity Catholic School in Guelph, Ont.

Eliza Siglowy, Grade 8 (Winner)

Vi Quynh Nguyen, Grade 8

Arianna Villavecer, Grade 8

Liana Meng, Grade 7

Savannah Smith, Grade 8

Selena Hanny, Grade 7

Keira Carvalho, Grade 7

Grade 4-6

In the Grades 4-6 category, there the entry from Jacinth Jaikar Chandramohan Vijay, 11, stood out. With its intricate composition and use of colour, the Grade 6 student at St. Mark Catholic Elementary School in Stoney Creek, Ont., captures the story and characters that are entwined with the Nativity story. For us, it also made a perfect photo for The Register’s Christmas cover.

Jacinth Jaikar Chandramohan Vijay, Grade 6 (Winner)

Ricardo J. Henriquez Guerrero, Grade 5

Samantha Furii, Grade 4

Alexa Yeo, Grade 6

Aidan Gonzalez Diaz, Grade 5

Tianna Butros, Grade 5

Andrea Chanady, Grade 6

Grade 1-3

Eight-year-old Taissa Malitski’s drawing was the winner in the Grade 1-3 division. Inspired, no doubt, by stained-glass imagery, the Grade 3 student at Canadian Martyrs Catholic Elementary in Hamilton, Ont., creates all the elements that make a perfect Christmas scene.

Taissa Malitski, Grade 3 (Winner)

Paul Wang, Grade 2

Ciara Mayne, Grade 3

Tristan Watulo, Grade 2

Daniela S. Estradas Barrueta, Grade 1

Each of the three winners receives $75 in Amazon gift certificates.

Additional Entries

Below is a gallery of additional honourable mentions.

Thanks to all who entered and special thanks to the parents and teachers who helped organize, scan or mail in the entries.

We wish all a Merry Christmas.