Charles Burchfield, Journals, December 31, 1938

To Buffalo, to get money and shop a little. A lively fall of feathery snow-flakes. It put everyone in good spirits – on all sides could be heard cheery, even hilarious greetings. A clerk in the 5 & 10 said to a companion clerk – “This is the kind of snow I like. On the corner of Chippewa & Washington stood a very rotund heavy set newshawk. His bulk was exaggerated by a thick wooly overcoat, and around his head was a light dirty, gray “parka-hood” such as the girls wear, which framed in his coarse cold-reddened face. He was truly, an apparition. A rough looking woman coming along, hailed him with glee “Hello Santa Claus” – none too pleased, the newshawk nevertheless grunted a sullen reply.

In the market – the place is jammed with people – a continual chattering and weaving to & fro. Usually such mobs repel me, but today they had a primitive natural sound, as of flocks of sea-gulls, or crows.

I bought a large ham – (and pictured myself entering the bosom of my family as the gay provider

In the afternoon I struggled with some “thank-you” letters.

Evening – Catherine’s birthday party, for which we had various favors, including a game of stunt cards, and had a hilarious time.

Later – the N.B.C. Concert, but aside from the transcribed orchestral piece based on an original by Vivaldi, I found little of interest in it.

Charles Burchfield, December 31, 1938