Day 6 - #WorldWatercolorGroup Holiday Christmas Mouse with candy cane
By Charlie

Holiday Mouse

Written by Charlie O'Shields

When it’s cold outside, mice tend to prefer being inside as well. Inside your home, that is, whether you like it or not. I guess this is why so many holiday images include a mouse. Well, that, and they’re just incredibly cute as uninvited pests go. Perhaps one of the most famous lines about a mouse this time of year comes to us at the very beginning of the classic poem:

‘Twas the night before Christmas,
when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring,
not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung
by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas
soon would be there;

Clement Clarke Moore

By using the words “not even,” Moore implies that these little rodents were already well-known for making an appearance during the winter months. I’m rather fond of seeing a Christmas mouse pop up in various illustrations over the holidays. Interestingly though, mice actually despise candy canes. Peppermint oil is often recommended as a deterrent to stop them from making a home in your house. But in stories, anything is possible. And that’s why we love them.

When I was a kid I used to write stories, but I don’t remember ever writing one about a mouse, much less a holiday mouse. Perhaps this little guy should have his own story. He could be Michael, the only little mouse who loves candy canes. No, that’s just daft. Maybe my younger self could have thought of something a bit better. My older self simply wants to finish this glass of wine. Tonight, I’m just happy no mice have actually made an appearance in my home. The real version sort of freaks me out! But in illustrated form, everything gets just a bit cuter. Creatures that would normally make you run and jump on a chair suddenly make you want to stop and cuddle them. This is one of the reasons why I’ve always loved illustration and storytelling.

And I’m thrilled to be heading into this season of classic stories. Well, I’m also a fan of candy canes, so just like Michael, I’m planning on having a few of those before the season is over. Yes, sure, there are also lots of presents for many of us who celebrate during this time, but I’m mostly just in love with the traditions. Those little icons, images, and treats that only come once a year. It makes this such a uniquely special time of year. No matter what you may celebrate, I hope this season is a particularly special one for you. Enjoy every little moment that it brings as you love all of the things that make you smile. Even if there’s something you enjoy this time of year that nobody else seems to, don’t let that stop you! Just enjoy your season whatever way you like. And be just a bit like Michael, the Holiday Mouse.

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About the Doodlewash

Sennelier L’Aquarelle: Sennelier Red, Burnt Sienna, and Ultramarine Deep. Lamy Safari Al Star pen with Platinum Carbon with black ink in a little red cloth hardbound l’aquarelle journal I found in a Paris shop.
 Day 6 - #WorldWatercolorGroup Holiday Christmas Mouse with candy cane

Charlie O'Shields

Creator of Doodlewash, founder of World Watercolor Month (July), World Watercolor Group, and host of the Sketching Stuff Podcast. Sharing watercolor illustrations and stories while proudly featuring talented artists from all over the world!

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30 thoughts on “Holiday Mouse”

  3. What an absolutely adorable little mouse! I had no idea about the peppermint, but the candy cane is exactly what little Michael needs. (And you got the highlighting on that candy cane spot on!)

    Reply

  5. Michael certainly is a cutie, but not being a fan of mice for good reasons, I painted my mice as Mickey ornaments. I do, however, enjoy candy canes and suggest you stir your coffee with one tomorrow morning. You won’t regret it! ☕️

    Reply

  6. OMG; He is sooo cute. I’m sure I also would freak out if I had a visitor but he’s cute! As always; I enjoy your art. Do you by chance do custom art? I have a special project in mind but haven’t found the right artist to bring the playful movement needed. ( I live in a small town and there are slim pickens!)

    Reply

    1. Hey there Jenn! Thanks so much!! 😃💕 I have only done commissions for family and friends at this point. Mostly because this is a hobby and I don’t have a lot of extra time. If your project isn’t due before Christmas I have lots of time at the end of the year and could maybe help out. Send me a note via my contact form and I’ll email you back! 😃

      Reply

  7. This little guy is absolutely adorable, hanging on to his peppermint stick with a big smile. Your Doodlewash is charming to the nth degree, Charlie, and perfectly complements your post about seasonal customs.

    BTW: Peppermint oil is also good for keeping away skunks from your abode – guess why I know.

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  9. Cheers to little Michael, the Holiday Mouse. I love Tom and Jerry for the Jerry part. Mice are cute and make wonderful animation films. But the actual sight of them, makes you run, to climb a chair and scream !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  11. I’ve never ever associated a mouse with Christmas! We thought we had a Mickey Mouse on our boat during the summer, we could hear him scribbling and scratching behind the panels, but in fact it turned out to be a Roland Rat! We eventually caught him, and let him go…….

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  12. So cute Charlie, I often have mice visiting, in fact they get invited in for lunch! By the cats, lol. Luckily this occurs more frequently in the summer months. Most are brought in live and I end up spending an evening chasing it around, once caught I can let the little frightened creature free…..a good walk away I might add. Funnily enough I have never been bitten by one to date, I think they must understand my helping hand to freedom. ( I don’t grab invited rats with my bare hands).

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    1. Mice may not like peppermint, but they are fond of red colored pencils. In an office building well populated with the night time critters, workers discovered mice sought out and ate red pencils, not blue or green or other colors.

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