Christmas in our new possessions
Subject(s): Christmas, Education, Philippines, Santa Claus, Santa Claus (Fictitious character)
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Santa Claus, with coat over left arm and holding a fan, perspiring, offers a bundle of “Education” books labeled “Uncle Sam to the Filipino” to a young Filipino boy, who, with hands behind his back, dubiously looks up at him. Santa’s bag of toys is on the ground between them. Caption: Santa Claus — Phew! I’m glad to oblige Uncle Sam, of course. But next time I come I’ll wear khaki!
Comments and Context
Adding to the joke about flannel outfits in tropical weather was Keppler’s observation about the putative goal of American colonial policy, at least in the Philippines: to educate the natives. President McKinley, initially very much opposed to a war with Spain and the acquisition of colonies, eventually persuaded himself that it was the duty of the United States to “Christianize the islands.”
Collection
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs
Creation Date
1902-12-24
Creator(s)
Period
U.S. President – 1st Term (September 1901-February 1905)
Repository
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division
Page Count
1
Record Type
Image
Resource Type
Rights
These images are presented through a cooperative effort between the Library of Congress and Dickinson State University. No known restrictions on publication.
Citation
Cite this Record
Chicago:
Christmas in our new possessions. [December 24, 1902]. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs.
https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/digital-library/o276290. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University.
MLA:
Keppler, Udo J., 1872-1956. Christmas in our new possessions. [24 Dec. 1902]. Image.
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University. March 5, 2026. https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/digital-library/o276290.
APA:
Keppler, Udo J., 1872-1956., [1902, December 24]. Christmas in our new possessions.
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University.
Retrieved from https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/digital-library/o276290.
Cite this Collection
Chicago:
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs. https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/collection/library-of-congress-prints-and-photographs. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University.
MLA:
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University. March 5, 2026. https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/collection/library-of-congress-prints-and-photographs.
APA:
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University. Retrieved from https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/collection/library-of-congress-prints-and-photographs.
