Morristown Holiday Gift Buys—and Thomas Nast Ornament—Available through Tourist Bureau

For the past five years, the Morris County Tourism Bureau has saluted former Morristown resident and political cartoonist Thomas Nast. Now, he is part of the bureau's holiday celebration.

The artist lived in Morristown for 30 years with his wife and family. His home still stands and is one of the four national landmarks in Morris County. And for good reason, in addition to his politically focused work, Nast is said to be the creator of Santa Claus, or at least the modern representation of that happy elf. And tourism officials want to spread the message: "Santa Claus was born in Morristown.”

During the upcoming holiday season, the bureau promotes that idea by selling limited edition Christmas ornaments featuring drawings by Thomas Nast. You can choose from a variety of designs and colors, or collect the whole set. Each ornament is priced at $10 including tax, cash or check only.

Because the ornaments are glass, they cannot be shipped. To reserve your ornament, call 973-631-5151. To shop the tourism bureau's Morristown-centric gift shop for books, tour guides, stationery, prints and ornaments, the office at 6 Court St. in Morristown is open Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. until Christmas Eve.