Chum was a British boy's weekly which, at the end of the year was bound into a single huge book; and the following Christmas parents bought it as Christmas presents for male children.

The quote "Chum was a British boy's weekly which, at the end of the year was bound into a single huge book; and the following Christmas parents bought it as Christmas presents for male children" by A. E. van Vogt describes a tradition related to a British weekly magazine called Chum, which was popular among boys. At the end of each year, the magazine would compile its issues into a single, large book, creating a yearbook-like object. This bound volume became a typical Christmas gift for male children, symbolizing the connection between holiday traditions and the role that printed media played in the lives of young readers during the time.

The origin of the quote lies in van Vogt’s recollection of his childhood experiences and the cultural practices surrounding Christmas presents during that era. Chum was a magazine that featured stories, illustrations, and activities for boys, and the practice of binding it into a large book made it a lasting, tangible gift that could be kept for years. The reference to parents buying it as a Christmas present highlights a time when such magazines were cherished and served as a significant part of a boy’s leisure time and education.

Van Vogt’s mention of male children emphasizes the gender-specific nature of the gift, as it was typically marketed and given to boys. The custom reflects the types of gifts that were considered appropriate or desirable at the time, reinforcing traditional expectations of what was deemed suitable for children based on their gender. The practice of giving something like Chum for Christmas illustrates the commercialization of holidays during the early 20th century, where media products became a prominent part of gift-giving.

Ultimately, the quote sheds light on a nostalgic tradition of Christmas gifting in the early 20th century, where magazines like Chum played a role in shaping children's holiday experiences. Van Vogt reflects on how such gifts were not only a form of entertainment but also served as mementos that could be treasured, marking an era when printed material was central to youth culture.