Opinion: Ebenezer’s lessons well learned
The lesson of Charles Dickens’ Ebenezer Scrooge is reiterated repeatedly throughout the many adaptations of the story “A Christmas Carol.”
The wealthy and miserly Scrooge delights in counting his money instead of doing good work with it or even really enjoying it himself. He treats his employee the wretched and underpaid Bob Cratchit poorly. He begrudges him a holiday on Christmas.
The point of the fable of Scrooge and his dead partner Jacob Marley is we reap what we sow. Stingy in life the seven-year dead Marley returns to his former partner’s side to warn him if he doesn’t change his ways an eternity of misery awaits him in the afterlife. An examination of his life with the help of the three specters. Christmas Past, Present and Future scares Scrooge into changing the direction of his life.
He vows to keep Christmas in his heart all-year-round and he provides support to those around him.
There are many ways to celebrate the spirit of Christmas or whatever winter holiday one finds themselves celebrating. Fall is drawing to its conclusion and winter will make its debut at 10:59 a.m. EST on December 21. Known as the shortest day or longest night of the year, the Winter Solstices will be with us until Spring arrives March 21, 2022.
Scrooge had the right idea when he spoke of keeping Christmas in his heart all year long. Where does Christmas reside if not in the hearts of the believers. The retail gods would have us believe that Christmas lives in a Big-Box store and all it takes is money to attain it.
The joy of Christmas can infuse everything one does. When waiting for a break in a long line of traffic it is a terrific gift when a fellow motorist allows your car to merge into the flow of traffic ahead of them. This is especially appreciated on a busy street with a troublesome intersection. One should always acknowledge the kindness of that other driver with a big smile and a cheerful wave. The smile and cheerfulness might not be seen but conveying one’s gratitude is never a bad move.
Kindness is never wasted. Sending positive energy out into the universe may sound new-age but it sure beats the alternative.The holiday season beginning with Halloween has arrived full-blast, cherish the little things like those that made Dr. Suess’ Grinch heart grow three sizes.
Watching holiday movies can assist with getting into the holiday mood. Doing nice things for strangers may not add any zeroes to one’s net worth, it does warm the soul while bringing joy to others. Joy is an interesting concept and an emotion that grows when shared with others.
Holding a door, helping someone struggling with too many packages, anonymously picking up the check for a stranger or some of our children serving in the military. All the members of the armed forces are the sons and daughters of the American people. Those away from home appreciate getting greetings or treats from home. A visit to Google online offers a plethora of options for sending salutations and goodies to the troops.
Veterans organizations such as the Disabled American Veterans need support to provide service to those, we all owe a huge debt of gratitude. For information check out DAV.org.
Delivering holiday greetings in person is still discouraged and often forbidden as the COVID19 pandemic continues to plague the world. The joy of Christmas can be overwhelming but taking precautions, vaccinations, masks and gloves really help to minimize the risks involved. Bright cheery attitudes can diminish another person’s stress. Gifts to all charities are especially needed as times are hard for too many people.
Long days and pleasant nights, have a blessed weekend.
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Readers may contact Tami Jo Nix by emailing tamijonix@gmail.com or following @TamiJoNix on Twitter.
