Judge — December 2, 1916 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Judge Magazine Christmas Number Analysis This is the cover of Judge's Christmas 1916 issue, featuring Santa Claus with a speech bubble reading "DERE SANDY KLAUS I HAV BIN A VERRY GOOD BOY." The caption reads "SAME OLD STORY!" The cartoon presents a cynical take on Christmas wishes and childhood innocence. The intentionally misspelled, childlike text in the speech bubble contrasts with what appears to be a somewhat weary or skeptical Santa figure. The "Same Old Story" caption suggests this is a recurring theme—children making claims of good behavior they may not fully deserve, or perhaps the predictable nature of Christmas appeals. The artwork is credited to James Montgomery Flagg, a prominent American illustrator of the era. The satire likely reflects period attitudes toward commercialism and childhood behavior around the holidays.