Life, 1911-12-07 · page 29 of 112
Life — December 7, 1911 — page 29: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains three separate jokes satirizing Christmas-era behaviors and social norms: **"Must Suspend the Statute"**: A husband agrees to wear gifts and read love poetry his wife gave him—but only if she won't comment on his heavy drinking of whiskey from his uncle. The joke mocks both marital compromises and men's casual alcoholism during this period. **"Anticipatory"**: Two exhausted shop girls discuss being fired after the Christmas rush ends. The second girl's response—that they'll "both be fired and can rest"—is darkly humorous, treating job loss as a relief rather than catastrophe. This reflects Depression-era anxieties about retail work. **"The Night(Mare) Before Xmas"**: The sketch (right) plays on Clement Clarke Moore's famous poem, showing someone anxiously awaiting Christmas expenses listed on a scroll labeled "XMAS EXPENSES." The pun in the title suggests Christmas brings nightmares rather than joy—satirizing the financial stress the holiday creates for ordinary families. All three pieces mock the gap between Christmas's idealized image and harsh economic realities.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Must Suspend the Statute 2S, my dear,” says the husband, “T will wear the neckti and the shirts you got me for Christmas; also I'll smoke the B: yes, I'll wear the slip- and I'll read the book of love poctry—but on one condition.” “What is that?” asks the wife. : you'll not ma yy comment over how fast I drink up bottle of whiskey my Kentucky uncle sent me.” Anticipatory IkST TIRED SHOP GIRL: Oh, my, won't T be glad when this Christmas rush is over! Seconn Tireo Snor Girt: Same here! We'll both be fired and can Test. “CYNE good turn deserves another,” said the top, excitedly THE FIRST INVESTMENT “THE NIGHT(MARE) BEFORE XMAS” comicbooks.com