During Christmas People Will Forget the Past With a Present

“During Christmas People Will Forget the Past With a Present“

Holiday humor often reveals truth. We love witty observations about traditions. This particular saying stands out comfortably. It cleverly uses wordplay. The pun relies on double meanings. “Present” signifies a gift. It also means the current moment. “Past” implies history. It also suggests moving forward. We laugh because we recognize the sentiment. The holidays mix memory with materialism. This quote captures that blend perfectly.

Tracing the Roots of the Wit

Many people seek the author. The origins remain slightly blurry. However, researchers have found clues. They point to a specific timeline. The phrase did not start with Christmas. Originally, it was a general observation.

We can look at early records. Source A talented artist likely started it. Her name was Gladys Parker. She drew popular cartoons. In January 1933, she published a panel. It featured a key line. She wrote, “Nothing smoothes out the past like a present.” . This seems to be the first instance. Parker established the framework here.

Parker did not stop there. She revisited the theme later. In July 1934, she used it again. Her feature “Flapper Fanny Says” included a similar caption. It read, “Many a person will forget the past for a present.” Clearly, she owned this joke. She created the concept. Others soon followed her lead.

The Evolution into Holiday Humor

The saying traveled quickly. It adapted to new contexts. Writers saw its potential. Consequently, they tweaked the wording. It moved from cartoons to columns.

In February 1933, a newspaper printed a version. The Brooklyn Daily Eagle shared it. They linked it to birthdays. The quote mentioned girls wanting their past forgotten. They wanted presents remembered instead. This shows rapid adaptation. Writers tailored the joke for specific events.

Advertisers also loved the line. It sold products effectively. A jewelry store used it in 1935. They called it “an old saying.” This happened only two years after Parker wrote it. Marketing moves fast. It turns fresh wit into ancient wisdom rapidly.

Eventually, Christmas claimed the quote. The holiday season fits the sentiment perfectly. We give gifts to show love. We also want peace. Therefore, the pun works best here.

The Radio Connection

Radio helped spread the phrase. Broadcasters needed fresh material. In December 1940, a character named Uncle Ezra used it. He spoke on a popular program. He connected it specifically to Christmas.

He said women want their past forgotten. They want the present remembered. This anchored the joke to December. It became a holiday staple. The link to Christmas grew stronger.

Later, dictionaries of humor included it. In 1943, “Esar’s Comic Dictionary” featured a sophisticated version. It played with time concepts. It mentioned the past, future, and present. This version sounded more philosophical. However, it kept the core humor intact.

The Mystery of Don Marquis

Famous names often attract famous quotes. This saying is no exception. Many sources credit Don Marquis. He was a beloved humorist. He wrote “Archy and Mehitabel.”

However, the timeline does not fit. Marquis died in 1937. The attribution appeared much later. In 1946, Walter Winchell wrote a column. He was influential. He claimed Marquis wrote the line. He quoted, “What I like about Christmas is that you can make people forget the past with a present.”

Researchers have searched Marquis’s work. They found nothing. No book contains this line. No column features it. Winchell likely made a mistake. He perhaps heard it elsewhere. He then attached a famous name to it. This happens often in journalism.

Why the Misattribution Stuck

Once a famous person gets credit, it sticks. Other writers copy the error. In 1950, Hal Eaton cited Marquis. He likely read Winchell’s column. He did not check the source.

Later books cemented the error. A 1959 collection credited Marquis. A 1968 compilation did the same. As a result, the myth persisted. People trust books. They rarely verify dates.

This phenomenon is common. We call it the “Matthew Effect” in quotes. Famous people get credit for everything. The true originators often fade away. Gladys Parker deserves the credit. Yet, Marquis gets the glory.

Modern Variations and Uses

The quote keeps evolving. It stays relevant today. Comedians still use it. For example, Phyllis Diller received credit recently. A 2002 newspaper linked it to her.

She was a comedy legend. The line fits her style. She often joked about age and beauty. However, she did not invent it. She merely kept it alive.

We also see it in proverbs. Some collections list it as folk wisdom. They do not name an author. They say it comes from North Dakota. Or they call it an “old American saying.” This shows its deep roots. It has become part of our culture.

The Psychology Behind the Laugh

Why do we laugh at this? It touches on human nature. We all have regrets. The “past” represents those mistakes. We want to erase them.

Simultaneously, we love “presents.” Gifts distract us. They bring immediate joy. The pun connects these desires. It suggests a transaction. We trade a gift for forgiveness.

This rings true during holidays. Families gather together. Tensions can rise. History often resurfaces. A nice gift can smooth things over. It buys peace. The joke acknowledges this reality. It does so with a smile.

Conclusion

We enjoy this holiday witticism. It blends cynicism with cheer. It reminds us of the power of gifts. It also highlights our desire for a fresh start.

Gladys Parker likely started it. She drew it in 1933. Others refined it. Don Marquis got the credit falsely. But the humor belongs to everyone.

So, when you buy a gift, remember this. You are not just giving an object. You might be buying a clean slate. That is the magic of the “present.”

Quote Me, maybe?

the quote G.O.A.T.