Life — December 28, 1922 — page 6: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "The Twitters' Christmas" This is a satirical domestic comedy sketch about a chaotic middle-class household during Christmas preparations. The Twitters family—parents Mr. and Mrs. Twitter with children Robert, Mary, and Willie—attempt to hide Christmas presents but constantly bicker over where items are hidden and whether gifts should be divided equally among the children. The satire targets: 1) the commercialization of Christmas through excessive gift-giving, 2) the difficulty of maintaining Christmas "magic" when children are present, and 3) class anxieties about proper holiday conduct. Mrs. Grinnell's final "Merry Christmas! Humph!" suggests the general dissatisfaction underlying holiday gatherings. The accompanying cartoon "Keeping Him Happy" depicts a crowded party with related holiday social performance anxiety.