Judge — December 1889 — page 7: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon depicts Santa Claus distributing gifts to wealthy women, with the caption suggesting he's giving them whatever they desire. The joke appears to target the commercialization of Christmas and the materialism of wealthy society women during the Gilded Age or early 20th century. Santa's comment—"I was afraid nothing else would suit you"—implies these women are so demanding and extravagant that pleasing them is nearly impossible, even for Santa. The elaborate clothing and jewelry visible in the illustration emphasize their wealth and status. The satire critiques how modern Christmas had become less about spiritual values and more about conspicuous consumption and the endless desires of the privileged class. It's a commentary on how even magical gift-giving has succumbed to materialistic excess.