Judge, 1920-12-18 · page 7 of 32
Judge — December 18, 1920 — page 7: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Judge Magazine Page Analysis This page contains two separate humorous essays about Christmas, typical of Judge magazine's satirical approach. **"Christmas Is a Good Idea"** by Thomas M. Farguhax is a sentimental piece celebrating how Christmas temporarily transforms society—making poor people happy, rich people humble, and uniting everyone in brotherly feeling. The satire is gentle: it mocks the idealism of the season while acknowledging its genuine appeal. The illustration shows two hunters with dogs, with dialogue about calling a dog—likely illustrating the common folk participating in Christmas festivities. **"Why I Am Glad"** by Katharine Haviland Taylor employs class-based humor. The narrator lists the predictable, repetitive gifts she'll receive (writing supplies, desk items), then contrasts this with a plumber's simpler gifts (wrenches, washers). The joke: she considers herself fortunate because at least she *knows* what to expect, whereas the plumber receives more practical, useful items—inverting typical assumptions about wealth and satisfaction. Both pieces reflect early 20th-century American attitudes about class, consumption, and holiday traditions.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Christmas Is a Good Idea Ry Tnowas Mo Pangutax HEN men, women and children annually look into each asked regarding Santa Claus and the fairies —when h climbs again upon the imperial throne of our senses love kisses all civilization all at onee—then the world knows it is neither a cadaver nor a clam—but that it’s Christ mas. Out of the t of the air the good old times come trooping back, hand in hand with the tinkling bells of today and the winking dew-drops of tomorrow. Poor folks grin like mile of blooming spring-time. Rich folk hae as happy as if y hadn't a dollar. The metropolis trembles. ashy maiden ready to be married, and the business man feels that he could write a majestic poem if he wanted te: “The human snow flakes blown in the winds of time and trouble nestle down in a warm world-blanket of kindliness, cheerfully acknowledging that they are brothers and sisters, and masquerade as children Then we are initiated for fear of being mistaken for planets into the communion and are astonished to see all the sour Pp covenant of Christmas consanguinity ster's vision—not broken fragments, dissevered, discordant, with the miserable interrogatory: “What is but with glad hands and fair words; with le in the neighborhood turn sweet when dipped in the We see old Dan Web belligerent—ne all this worth? Wiar xix of apa root! DoxtcHa KNOW A FISH-HOUND WHEN YH Ste one!” py CALL THAT the guests at the feast rising to the glowing promise of the Christmas toast: “One big union of hearts, now and forever, one and inseparable Why I Am Glad Ry Katuagine Havitann ‘Tayior KNOW the things that all my friends will offer unto me— A varied choice. but chosen all, for suitability; Nine “ New York of the Novelists,” and fountain pens sixteen; Writing cases by the gross and things for me to clean My pens upon (1 don’t use pens) and, for my desk, nicknacks; The box marked “Stamps,” the box marked “Pens,” the less letter-racks! Yes, I know well the things my friends will hang upon my trec \ varied choice and chosen all for suitability! Yet, L count blest myself, when [ think of the plumbing man The things he reaps from all his friends—simple his gifts to plan The monkey wrench, the Such things would not bring Then welcome I the dozen mates that hang upon my tree To dwell upon the plumber man makes Pollyanna-ly ‘Am glad!” that [—that Iam ME fts at glid Yule Tide so dog-gone washers, every size; wonder to my eyes! My spirits rise, and I" Since friends choose on suitably!