Why Just Christmas?

 

I cannot say that Dickens is my favorite author. I’m really not sure I can decide on just one. But I do love many of his writings, must notably A Christmas Carol.  One of the many themes found in the book is the idea of keeping Christmas all year long. Scrooge’s nephew, Fred, alludes to this as he visits his uncle on the day of Christmas Eve. To him, Christmas is…the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow-passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys. And therefore, uncle, though it has never put a scrap of gold or silver in my pocket I believe that it has done me good, and will do me good; and I say, God bless it!"

(Scrooge’s Nephew, A Christmas Carol)

 I do notice that most people tend to be a kinder, more tolerant, and helpful at this time of the year. It also helps that in the Northern Hemisphere that it is our winter. That alone seems to bring out some compassion for those struggling in the cold. But the weeks around Christmas seem to be special, magical. People tend to think of others above themselves, well most of the time. They give gifts to strangers. They visit the elderly. They sing Christmas carols. For some, it’s the only time they go to church all year. Sure, you can still run into a few Scrooges and those that want to get in line first to fight for new toys or gadgets coming out. But for the most part, it’s peace and Joy, Smiles & hot chocolate all around.

If Christmas is such a magical season, why can’t we keep this idea forefront all year round? I suppose it is a change that must happen from inside. It can’t come from advertisements, from events, or programs. It’s a change of heart. It is seeing our fellow man as they are, and caring for others like we care for ourselves. It’s loving people as God loved us. Imaging if we could make it last?

 So it stands to reason that one of my favorite Christmas movies is the Muppet Christmas Carol. I like it because, well, I’ve always liked the Muppets, and that there are many quotes directly from the book. But the songs have a message to. I will leave you with the chorus of one called, It Feels Like Christmas.

 “It is the season of the heart

A special time of caring

The ways of love made clear

It is the season of the spirit

The message if we hear it

Is make it last all year!”

I wish you a wonderful Christmas Season full of love, compassion, and caring for others –

For the whole year through!