Judge, 1902-12-20 · page 38 of 52
Judge — December 20, 1902 — page 38: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This six-panel comic depicts a working-class man ("Smith") impersonating Santa Claus to deliver gifts to his family on Christmas Eve. The humor centers on his elaborate deception: he dresses as Santa, distributes presents meant for various family members (Uncle Tom, Freddie, Jim, Julia), and rings the doorbell to surprise them. The satire mocks both the pretense of Santa Claus mythology and the financial strain of Christmas gift-giving among ordinary families. Smith's scheme—disguising himself to make modest gifts seem miraculous—reflects period anxieties about maintaining middle-class respectability and family traditions despite economic limitations. The final panel shows the plan backfiring comically when the family is startled rather than delighted. The joke relies on the gap between aspirational Christmas fantasy and working-class reality.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
1, Surrm—"* By Jove! you'll make a good Santa Claus. Just what we need for to-night.”” oe 3. ** Now remember, this box of cigars and bottle of old brandy are for 4. —and this diamond ring {s for my wife, and the overcoat is for Uncle Tom, and this watch is for Freddie— Jim, and the hundred dollars ts for Julla.”" ] ths oct and be yet ter hear de bell.’ YES, SMITH SURELY SURPRISED THE FAMILY. 5. “ Now you go outside and ring the bell, and the family will rush to” 6. Storry Sammy— surprised. Ha, ha!" corrment 102% voce COMPAKY, oF KE YeRK Sachets Wiis Lita 8 Co Rew York comicbooks.com