Judge, 1903-12-19 · page 14 of 52
Judge — December 19, 1903 — page 14: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page satirizes Christmas gift-giving economics during a period of financial constraint (likely early 20th century). The upper illustration mocks wealthy visitors' condescension toward the poor: Mrs. Giddley warns her Christmas guest not to tell the town tax assessor about their gifts, fearing he'll raise their property taxes. The joke exploits class anxiety—even modest charity must be hidden. The four-panel comic strip at bottom parodies how economically struggling families cope with Christmas disappointment. Toys are damaged or worn; gifts are "tattooed on" rather than purchased; children resort to soft coal (inferior fuel) and apologize to Santa for causing damage. The recurring theme: Christmas generosity becomes complicated by poverty and economic surveillance. The tattooed lady's tears and the children's resourcefulness suggest genuine hardship beneath the sardonic humor. The satire targets both class inequality and the gap between Christmas's idealized sentimentality and harsh economic reality for working families.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
IN THE MUSEUM. THE living skeleton cannot restrain MUST BE CARE- FUL. eenow, N said Mrs. Gid- dley to her Christmas visitor, “dob cautiously his joy over the ap- proach of Christmas. The tattooed lady is somewhat morose. sure when Mr, Jottem is ge i here to-d: +1 don't see why not to tell him how much you are so tickled,” any of the presents cost.” * Oh, of course, I will be careful to let him understand that n't get_ much in your stocking.” “Oh, but the fat lady has promised to | everything is the best lend me one of hers. | and most. expensive And you? Are you that could be bought. going to hang yours ° 1 always like to dis up?” ! Here the tattooed lady tries bravely to restrain her tears, as appoint these people who are always so inquisitive "— “Oh, no, no! It he asks thing mal lieve it issimply worth she explains, eisn't it awful ? | 1 thought I would be bout any- him be- economical last sum- nothing at all.” mer, and [ had mine “Well, well, of tattood on !” | bal things! You sur- | T REALI. comical, prise me. The bi - | F 5. ne biggest Christe | © Tknow it sounds THE CHRISTMAS DOLLIES WAIL apie queer, but he is the “Oh, goodness sakes! I did not think | Folks grow so economica I'd ever have to see Folks g ee cal Z My poor, dear, lovely jumping Jack you know ‘A-hangin’ on a tree." broke. | town tax assessor, ‘As soon as they go | \ @KIND FRIENDS;PARDON IME FOR ANY DAMAGE I MAY HAVE DONE, BLAME ALL TO SOFT COAL.” 77 % SANTA CLAUS; 4 LADEN DORA f 3 4 “TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS, AND THE FAMILY USED SOFT COAL.” comicbooks.com