Life, 1902-12-18 · page 9 of 26
Life — December 18, 1902 — page 9: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains a humorous domestic dialogue between a father and son named Harold, illustrated by a sketch showing three figures in formal dress conversing indoors. The conversation centers on Christmas preparations—specifically whether Harold will hang stockings and obtain a Christmas tree. The father, identified as "Pa," expresses surprise that city living has made Harold less enthusiastic about Christmas traditions. The satire gently mocks modern urban life's impact on family customs. The dialogue touches on gift-giving anxieties and social obligations, with Pa suggesting that as head of household and "citizen of the metropolis," Harold's Christmas attitude should reflect responsibility and contentment. Below the main piece, a "Titles" section references other serialized stories from *Life* and *Harper's* magazines, suggesting this is part of the publication's regular fiction content.
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Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
531 Harold and His Pa. Say, pa, can I hang up my stocking this year?” OO «Why, yes, if you want to.” ‘And can't I bave a Christmas tree?” “TL suppose so—you always do.” “Well, aren't you glad? What's the matter, pa? Christmas doesn't seem to make you as happy as it does Our Artist (to “art patron” of tast wealth who has YOU HAVEN'T ANYTHING IN PARTICULAR TO DO, ur. te H*E yon seen the last Century ?'"" “No.” «Then you have not read the ‘ Confound- ing of Agatha’ or the ‘Cussedness of Alphonso '?” “No; but I have seen MeClure’s and read the ‘Inwardness of Jemima’ and the ‘Transplanting of Josephus.’”” YOR THY BUTLERS IN »Y Titles. me.” “No, my son. sid © Doesn't livi mas, pa?” “Well, “That's fun know so m “You do, You know deen dullying him about pictures): 1 say, BAGor, I Wis YOU WOULD Coz TO MY STUDIO AND SIT FoR ew rictunr, “Yes; but you must see Scribner's and read the ‘Upheaving of Jane,’ by the author of the ‘ Disgrantling of Benjamin.’ However, by the same authors, the ‘ Meali- ness of John’ and ‘ Transatlantications of Aunt Mary’ were more powerful stories.” “Yes, I think they were. Even more powerful than the ‘ Flabbiness of Peggy ’ in Harper's.” T am somewhat older, and, be- , L have lived in the city a longer time.” ing in a city make you like Christ- hard), I should think you would nany more people.” Harold. That's the trouble : 80 many more people, and they all give you presents. “But don’t you I ke to get pres- ents No, Harold, I don't “But why not?” “ Because it’s so expensi * Well, how about Sant doesn’t he do anything?” “Yes, my bo He does pretty He does those who give as well as those who re- ceive.” “ But, pa, if you don’t like the Claus— much everybody "t you send them back ?” ‘our mother docs that, Harold, the next year.” “And do the people get mad when they come back ?” “Not visibly, Harold. they are not the same people. “ Well, I don’t suppose I am old enough yet to understand. But tell me, pa, when I get big, will I be as sad as you are every Christ- pee You see, mas “That depends, my boy, upon whether you are the head of a family and a citizen of the metrop- olis.” comicbooks.com