1933. 21-7/8x29-7/8” wood frame has archival mat w/18x23.5” opening. A handsome couple are kissing under mistletoe as smiling Santa w/sack watches. Art is titled “The Joy Of Giving” by the artist in pencil at lower left, lower right is signed in ink “R. Van Buren 33” at lower right. Comes w/tanned photocopy of art as published as part of syndicated series which has caption “Santa Claus: ‘Huh! No Use My Stopping Here. They Seem To Have Everything They Want Already.’” Frame has bit of edge wear, lower left has light tanning in 2x4” area above title. Image area otherwise VF. Art was obtained directly from the artist in the 1970s. After going to a winter NY comic convention Charlie Roberts and a friend drove to the artist’s Long Island home. A blizzard developed in the darkness and upon arrival there was a foot of snow on the ground. Van had put a bottle of wine in the snow and invited us in to his studio garage. He had a pot bellied stove lit and told stories of his days as an illustrator. Several loose originals were stacked against the wall. He agreed to sell one, and this was purchased as the best one. He was a founder of the National Society of Magazine Illustrators and began drawing Abbie an’ Slats in 1937 after being recruited by Al Capp and continued with the strip until his retirement in 1971. Superior example of Van Buren’s illustration art. Ready for display. From the Charlie Roberts Collection.