Life — December 4, 1924 — page 66: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

in mont ae ~—steel equipment —double track—rock ballast — powerful locomotives —4 daily California trains, in- cluding the exclusively first- class California Limited. Fred Harvey Meals The Santa Fe is the only line under one management “all the way,” thus insuring uni- formity of service. On your way, Grand Canyon National Park, without change of Pullman. Mail Thissy Mr. W. J, Black, Pass. Traf. Mer. Fe Sysiem Lines 1 Railway Exchange, Chicago Please mail to me the following Santa Fe Book- Jets —"California Picture ‘Grand Canyon Outings, "California Limited.”*Also details as to cost of trip. ! LIFE The Christmas Complex By a Freudian MONG the regularly recurring phenomena to which the human consciousness is subject, the Christmas complex is notable for its manifestation among so many varying types. An im- portant point to be noted is that the effects reveal themselves over a definite chronological period which, beginning he month of November, reaches its height late in December, usually about the twenty-fifth, and thereafter rapidly subsides. This hallucinatory hysteria is followed on the part of heads of families by weeks of acute melancholia, which on the first of succeeding months becomes in many instances a mani depressive illusion, apparently having some connection with our banking- eredit system. In its first stages, revealed in some cases as carly as September, the un- happy victims show narcissistic symp- toms by either inventing or buying the most absurd sentiments, which they send broadcast, to a host of people whom they hardly know. In this brief paper, it is possible allude only to some of the more f psychopathological effects. For ins aman of fifty will suddenly rig himself up in false whiskers and a ridiculous costume of red flannel and white fur Groups of otherwise staid and respect able people will travel long distances into forests merely for the sake of fell- ing an innocent tree, and will then pro- ag it home, where it will die a lingering death and scatter needles over the house. So great is the frenzy induced by this singular obsession that many have been known to fill the tree with lighted candles, afterwards act- ually burning down their houses amid wild shricks. Other groups, during the later part of December, will light their individual candles or torches, stand in front of schoolhouses after dark sing- ing what they term carols until they are s hoarse as frogs, and then go home and die of pneumonia. This curious complex, which causes such widespread suffering, was seem- ingly started by a myth—the Santa Claus so-called—long since exploded, yet the complex itself is so deep that it continues with increasing force. Nag process of sublimation has yet been 4 evolved as a cure. If any attempt is made to define the complex, the only answer returned by the poor devils afflicted is, “Same to you!” Thomas L. Masson. “QO you like winter?” “My dear, I simply adore it! We have the most charming janitor!” KOBLER AIR AND WATER PEARL PIPE Takes out of the smoke 19% Nicotin, 85% Pyridin, 33% Ammoniac. $5.90. Literature free | Kobler & Ce, lec, 584 26th St, Gettenderg, West New York, W. J. Give him an MM PIPE | No. 42 Natural, $7. Bruyére, Natural, $7, Beuyére, An acceptable gift for the smoker. These pipes are made in England of the finest briar obtainable, tooled by master craftsmen. They inspire a real pride of possession. Order now, specifying number and finish (Natural or Bruyere), and w will ship. suitably packed, ~ paid, with your card, to reach the recipient when desired. Ask for our new illustrated Catalogue L MM IMPORTING CO. 6 East 45 St., New York BINOCULARS A Useful Christmas Gift 6 and 8 Power $ 1 9,50 Postpaid Case and carrying straps included Genuine $40.00 to $50.00 prismatic binoculars with solid leather case and straps. . A splendid Christmas gift at half saving for sportsmen, hunters, auto mobilists, mountain climbers, football enthusiasts and all lovers of the great ped with high grade achromatic lenses y leading foreign manufacturers. Glasses have pupillary adjustment, day and night lenses. Approved for U. S. Army Officers Glasses will be shipped promptly on receipt of check of money order for $19.50 under positive | guarantee of full cash refund on any glasses returned. Order your military binoculars today ||| HENDERSON BROTHERS Largest Importers of Field Glasses in America | 93 W. Federal Street, Bosten, Mass. comicbooks.com