Judge, 1937-12 · page 12 of 39
Judge — December 1937 — page 12: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Judge Magazine Page Analysis This page contains three Christmas-themed humor pieces from Judge magazine: **"Guessing Game"** (top): A dialogue where two people attempt to identify an oddly-shaped object. The punchline reveals it's a deck chair—a mundane, practical gift that hardly seems worthy of Christmas mystery. The satire mocks the disappointment of receiving utilitarian presents disguised as special surprises. **Christmas Trees Advertisement** (bottom left): Shows Santa selecting trees for sale at 75¢. The caption about wanting "just enough of a branch to get into the spirit of things" satirizes economic hardship—suggesting someone so poor they can only afford a single branch rather than a full tree, yet still hoping to participate in Christmas traditions. **"Slightly Sour Grapes"** (right): Two poems expressing gratitude for gifts while lamenting what wasn't received. The first thanks Santa while wishing for a New Year's Eve date; the second contrasts childhood abundance with adult loneliness and self-gift-giving. Together, these pieces humorously expose the gap between Christmas expectations and disappointing realities.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Guessing Game ac HATS this funny looking thing, Wao" J “What do you think it is?” “I haven't any idea.” “Well, guess.”” “Oh, I don’t know. Is it a bird bath?” “No.” “Let me see. Are these things on the sides handles?” “You're doing the guessing.” “How many have you?” “Just one.” . “Then it couldn't be a soup plate. Wouldn't get one soup plate . . . or would you? Something for flowers?” “Well... no.” “Oh, I don’t know. Darndest looking thing I've ever seen.” “Give up?” “No, wait a minute... let’s see...” “Time's up...” “I know!” “What?” “It's a Christmas present from Aunt "Casey's wife gave bim <r a deck chair for Christmas!” —NorMAN INGERSOLL Slightly Sour Grapes Open Letter Dear Santa: I'd like to thank you for The satin robe which I adore, The gloves, the books, the swell perfume, The writing table for my room, The hose, the pen and pencil set. You sure outdid yourself, my pet, And yet I wonder how you missed The most important on my list, The thing I prayed I might receive— I mean, a date for New Year's Eve. Pretty Sad Affair When I was very young I'd wake On Christmas morn to find a tree With lots of pretty presents sent By all my relatives to me. But I am in the grown-up stage, Forgotten now by kin and kith— And so on Christmas all I find Are gifts that I've surprised me with. "I only want a branch—just enough to get into the spirit of things.” —EvELYNE Love Cooper 10 Judge comicbooks.com