2024

Cover Artist: Dimitri Prica, SHA

This year’s card captures a profound moment of transition, celebration, and heartfelt meaning, skillfully interweaving the themes of new beginnings and cherished connections into a festive tableau. The image features two gentlemen—Jesse and Jason—standing together on the front porch of a new home, a poignant symbol of the family’s recent move from Hamilton to Brampton, Ontario. This significant relocation marks far more than a change of address; it represents the dawning of an exciting new chapter, imbued with promise, discovery, and the quiet resilience required to embrace life's next steps.

Framed within the front window of the home, a magnificent spruce tree glimmers with holiday lights and ornaments, radiating the warmth, joy, and steadfast traditions of the season. Its presence is a reminder of the enduring spirit of home, especially during moments of transformation. This is no ordinary tree—it is a beacon of celebration, anchoring this new beginning in the comforting glow of Christmas and symbolizing the hope and renewal that this season brings.

In the foreground, a procession of carolers gathers in festive harmony, their melodies led by a heraldic tyger, a regal emblem of guidance, strength, and protection. Representing Jason’s heraldic badge, the tyger’s presence speaks to the journeys undertaken this year—physical, emotional, and spiritual—and the safe arrivals at thresholds of love, friendship, and belonging. It serves as a reminder of the relationships nurtured and strengthened in 2024, the moments of discovery and growth, and the unwavering light that guided each step of the way.

Above it all, the Star of Bethlehem shines brilliantly in the night sky, tying together the card’s imagery with its timeless message of guidance, hope, and connection. Much like the Magi who followed its light to discover the true meaning of Christmas, this year has been one of seeking and finding—not just a new home but also the deeper truths that anchor us in times of change: the warmth of family, the joy of cherished relationships, and the enduring hope that lights the way forward, even in uncertain moments. As C.S. Lewis so eloquently said, “Christmas is not as much about opening our presents as opening our hearts.” This image captures the essence of that sentiment, celebrating both the physical move to a new chapter and the spiritual journey of embracing change, deepening connections, and opening our hearts to the blessings of the season.

2023

Cover Artist: Sapper

As the curtain falls on this year, we can pause to reflect on the loving presence of those dear to our hearts. It has been a year which has seen great joy, sorrow, and remarkable global events whose impact transcends time. Amidst the world's unfolding stories, the passing of my beloved maternal grandmother, Bernice Webster, weaved a thread into the tapestry of 2023 —a poignant reminder to cherish the memories that shape our life's journey. Flanked by Jesse and me, her matriarchal legacy takes center stage in this year's image —a symbol of resilience, gracefully embodied in the grand club chair. This echoes the strength she carried throughout her life and mirrors the collective strength demonstrated by communities worldwide in the face of global challenges. Above, hangs a new rendering of my Armorial bearings signifying my appointment as the National President of the Royal Heraldry Society of Canada, emphasizing my commitment to preserving the cultural identities and diverse histories of all people. The portrait of King Charles the Third nods to the historic celebrations of his coronation, and welcoming of our new Monarch this year, while also offering a glimpse into the evolving leadership on the global front. Finally, a spruce Christmas tree, adorned with decorations, symbolizes hope and renewal, inviting us all to find joy in shared celebrations and anticipate the possibilities of the coming year.

The 2023 card captures more than just a moment; it encapsulates a rich narrative, weaving together threads of family, duty, heritage, and celebration—a snapshot where past, present, and future converge in a harmonious blend of love and memory, echoing the stories that define who we are.

Let this festive season provide each of us with the opportunity to extend compassion, warmth and love to all those around us.

2022

Cover Artist: Alexander Liptak

There have been many things to celebrate this year, and yet we also must pause, to pay homage and tribute to those who have departed this earthly abode.  It should come as no surprise that the much-loved Paddington bear, would make an appearance this year to honour our late Sovereign Lady, Queen Elizabeth the second. Holding in his hand, the distinctly famous red dispatch box, with the Royal Cypher of ER2. We could not have picked a more festive yet poignant reference to the Queen, who shall be deeply missed.  She is the only monarch for whom many of us have known, and, to the author of this card, the sovereign to whom, I have served for 20 years. The black mourning band is in remembrance of Frank Matthys, who also passed away in the latter part of this year. The Reindeer symbolizes safe journeying and endurance through travels, for which we have navigated through another year of pandemic and have returned to a normal state of affairs.  A cloak of my arms keeps the reindeer warm in the deep snow, and the chain around its neck has reference to the Canadian provinces and territories. In the background, we see the majestic and resilient blue spruce, which is a tree with much symbolism and meaning to my childhood and were given out at my 40th birthday celebration this year. High in the sky appears the north star, which like the wise men of Maji, will hopefully lead us on the path to the New Year and all the great blessings which we hope will come.