Life — December 9, 1886 — page 7: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Some of Our Friends, and What They Would Like for Christmas" This satirical cartoon presents approximately twelve caricatured figures—prominent public figures of the era—each labeled with their supposed Christmas wishes via flowing banners. The style is typical of Life magazine's political humor. The visible text labels include references like "A Noah's Ark," "A Set of Browning," "More interest on the $," "Arrearage," and others, though specific identities are difficult to confirm from the image alone. The caricatures suggest these were recognizable contemporary personalities—likely politicians, celebrities, or society figures—whose character flaws or obsessions Life's editors mocked through their wished-for gifts. The cartoon's humor derives from matching each figure's presumed personality or financial interests to their comedic "Christmas wish."