A Somber Christmas – December 20, 1942, LIFE Magazine

The December 20, 1942, LIFE magazine cover featured the “Lonely Wife,” a dramatic interpretation of the women left behind. The cover description reads:

A full-page ad on page 1 asked Americans to avoid unnecessary long distance calls this Christmas. “It may be the ‘holiday season’ – but war needs the wires that you use for Christmas calls.”

A two-page ad for United States Rubber Company features a mother clutching her baby. The heart-wrenching text reads:

War bond references are plentiful. An ad for Toastmaster Toasters laments that the women of America will not be getting a Toastmaster in their stockings this year and “for the duration,” but offers tips on making your toaster last. This ad and many others offer up the idea of giving war bonds this Christmas so loved ones can get what they want after the war is over.

Other companies that did not have products to sell on the Home Front, touted their brand’s finer qualities on the battlefront.

Read the entire December 20, 1941 issue of LIFE magazine.