Life — December 22, 1921 — page 3: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "A Merry Christmas—in Spite of All!" This satirical poem by Richard Le Gallienne critiques early 20th-century authorities who banned Christmas celebrations. The text references historical instances when officials (identified as "bigots") suppressed Christmas observances in London, calling them "idolatry" and forbidding festive behavior. The illustration depicts ice-skating youth defying such restrictions—continuing Christmas revelry despite prohibition. The caption, "Oh, Harry, we simply must take that up—it's so graceful," suggests young people ironically maintaining holiday joy despite bans. The poem's message: oppressive authorities cannot suppress human happiness and Christmas spirit. Even when legal restrictions attempt to eliminate festive celebration, the desire for Christmas cheer persists—the "Christmas soul" cannot be extinguished by Bolsheviks, Federal officers, or other killjoys.