Life — December 13, 1883 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Before Christmas" - Life Magazine Satirical Cartoon This single-panel cartoon depicts a Christmas shopping scene with class-based satire. The image shows: - **Upper panel**: A wealthy family (the "family man") returning home with "many bundles," suggesting extravagant holiday spending - **Middle section**: A "rich uncle" selecting an expensive Christmas tree - **Lower section**: Working-class figures, including someone labeled "the smith" and reference to "the pumpkin winketh at the big gate," depicting poorer people's modest circumstances The cartoon contrasts wealthy families' lavish Christmas preparations with the struggles of working-class citizens during the same holiday season. The sketchy, detailed illustration style emphasizes the social disparity. The title "Before Christmas" suggests this depicts pre-holiday economic inequality in American society.