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Cartoons by William Steig and George Price, from The New Yorker Album of Drawings 1925–1975. “Cheer up or take off the hat” is a good motto for the winter, wouldn’t you say?
In the meantime, thanks for your visits and comments to Sentence first this year – the blog wouldn’t happen without you. Have a peaceful Christmas and a happy new year, and see you on the other side.
Sentence first 
Best wishes for 2014. Enjoying a few New Yorker cartoons is the best way to end a year. I always pull my anthology off the shelf for a few minutes every December 31st.
Back at you, Stan.
Yes, you too Stan. And thanks much for all the fascinating information and delightful whimsy you provide here – brightens up the everyday splendidly!
These cartoons capture the weariness of those of us who have seen lots of Christmas come and go and for whom the novelty has worn rather thin. Hope to enjoy the magic anew be witnessing my 2 year old granddaughter’s reaction on the day though. Hope you and yours have a wonderful time and a great 2014!
Thank you, Stan, and God’s blessings upon you as you continue to share your knowledge and wisdom with us. I find these posts interesting and, sometimes, entertaining. Take care.
See you on the other side sounds stygian, like from the Phantom of the Paradise. Everything is fleeting, better hold on to what’s on this side.
Many happy returns, Jenni. I picked up the 1925–75 collection some months ago but postponed reading it through until last week. I think you’re right: it’s a good time of year for it.
Thanks a lot, Marc, and the same to you.
Claire, thanks very much. Stay warm and well in Minnesota!
Colin, many happy returns. They do, it’s true, and of course, it’s not all fun and games. Children’s delight in the season tends to rub off on the rest of us, even if the excitement is beyond recapture.
That’s very kind, Vinetta, thank you. I wish you a safe and joyful Christmas.
Roger: It does, a bit! Next time I’ll try saying it without the spooky voice and clanking oar.
Hyvää joulua ja onnellista uutta vuotta, Stan! Here’s to more Sentence First in the new year.
Merci Stan, joyeux Noël (et garde ton chapeau).
Happy Christmas, Stan. Thanks for all of the interesting, diverting posts!
Batten down the hatches here in Galway…!
All the best for 2014
Merry Christmas, Stan!
A good motto for you is “Live and learn!”.
Best wishes!
And don’t forget “Ulysses”!
Thanks for your replies, comments and references.
And to more harm·less drudg·ery, Kory. Nollaig shona dhuit!
Alice, je le garderai. Bonne année et bonne santé.
Many happy returns, Nurn, and thank you for reading and contributing. It’s extremely wild here – I just dashed out to rescue a few things in the garden in danger of being taken for a windy spin.
Olga, thank you and merry Christmas to you too. Live and learn is an apt line, and Ulysses is never far away.
Nollaig Shona Duit, Stan.
Thanks for all the enlightening posts throughout the year!
XO
WWW
Peace at Christmas. Bonne et Heureuse Année, cher Stan.
Merci pour vos articles toujours si intéressants.
Thank you for yours, WWW, agus Nollaig shona duitse freisin.
Claude, c’est toujours un plaisir. Bonne année, mon amie.
A belated Happy Christmas to you! And many thanks to you for maintaining one of the most informative and imaginative blogs on language available anywhere.
Many happy returns, J. Alexander! Thank you for the kind words, and the engaging chats on Twitter.