Life — December 6, 1917 — page 21: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is a WWI-era Christmas greeting from *Life* magazine to Allied soldiers. The text at top, "To the Allied Armies," offers holiday wishes to troops across all combat zones ("in trench, in camp, in hospital, in battery, at sea"). The greeting carries military exhortation: soldiers should "stream out your banners to the foe" and fight until they've secured a peaceful world where the *next* Christmas can be truly merry—implying victory is necessary for lasting peace. The illustration below shows a costumed ball at Mrs. Bankors-Loote's house, depicting civilians in elaborate dress at a festive gathering. The juxtaposition appears ironic: while soldiers suffer in trenches and hospitals, the home front enjoys luxury entertainments. This likely critiques the disconnect between soldiers' sacrifice and civilian comfort during wartime.