Life, 1921-12-22 · page 3 of 34
Life — December 22, 1921 — page 3: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
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.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
A Merry Christmas—in Spite of All! years ago in London town bigots cut the Maypole down, Where “Merry England,” hand-in-hand, Dance round and round it in the Strand. They made a crime of Christmas Day; And passed strict laws ’gainst being gay ; They simply couldn’t bear to see A vestige of felicity. To wear a happy morning face Was in indictable disgrace, And mince pie and the Christmas tree Richard Le Gallienne Meant nothing but idolatry. And so it was the English beckoned ’Cross Dover Straits for Charles the Second— They'd had enough of saints, poor sin- ners, And ate in peace their Christmas din- ners. But still the same sour race survives, Hating the joy in human lives; Making, by law, all merriment Less than one-half of one per cent. Our laughter and our love must be Whispered, lest they should hear or see; The Federal officer will soon Keep watch on lovers ’neath the moon— A kiss that lasts for half a minute Must have too high percentage in it. Yet, though they ban the Christmas bowl, They cannot down the Christmas soul; Nor Bolsheviki nor near-beer Can rob us of our Christmas cheer. “Oh, Harry, we simply must take that up—it’s so graceful.” comicbooks.com