By Cindy Bower
My original article, Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, was published December 8, 2017. This book never grows old to me. My love affair with the story began decades ago. I never tire of slipping back in time to the England my ancestors knew well, and immersing myself into this archetypal story of redemption. One we can all relate to as we see modern day figures, problems, and perceptions clouding the world today as well. This story is about one person who decides to change, and by that, changes so much else in his circle of influence – as we all can do, even if our traits may not be as exaggerated as Scrooge’s. I do have several copies of this book and you can easily notice my well worn work copy. I also enjoy the movies too. The animated version with Jim Carrey in 2009, was actually my first 3D movie to ever attend and I could practically feel the snow in my seat. Another favorite stars George C. Scott.
I grew up knowing about Ebenezer Scrooge, but my first thoughtful awareness of that story happened in the fall of 1981. Casper College Theater director Tom Empey was new to Casper and kindly directed that musical play at church, with a group of inexperienced actors from our congregation. I was a young mother then, with a tiny part in the chorus. Just being in that group, listening to, and pretty much memorizing all of the lines of all of the characters, changed my life. A young exuberant college student played the stodgy, miserly, curmudgeon, and then transformed Scrooge with mature finesse. I was entranced by the powerful words of Dicken’s as we fumbled along, under the kind direction of an also youthful Empey then, who wrangled more out of us than we knew we could give. I still smile, remembering Tom Blevins dancing around, playing lively Fezziwig to a T.
Over the years I’ve read the book numerous times, seen various movies, and love being immersed in the life and times of Victorian England. Our family has a jigsaw puzzle of scenes from the story. It’s been done so many times and the pieces are worn and we’ve practically memorized where each piece goes; Marley’s chains, the curtain of Scrooge’s bed, candles on a mantle, and Tiny Tim’s cane. I’ve enjoyed many movie adaptations too, including the 2009 3D animated spectacle where snow seemed to whip around us right in the theater. Then, the Casper College production where Tom Empey (who rarely acted himself), played the tall, dark, eerie, specter of Christmas to Come – never speaking, but ominously gesturing. Truly, each telling of the story, unveils new layers of richness in Dickens’ writing, and the message for me.
This year’s rereading finds me again in awe of Dickens’ skillful writing style. His details draw me in like few other writers. Mrs. Cratchit’s pudding was hard and firm like a speckled cannon ball. Fezziwig’s calves shone like moons as he danced. Gloomy streets were choked up with a dingy mist. The grocer’s scales made a merry sound. Potatoes bubbling up knocked at the saucepan lid.
The magic of Dicken’s characters, in any of his books, leads me to introspection. As I witness less pleasant characteristics, my own faults beg change. Am I that cutting, irresponsible, focused on unimportant things, stuck in the past, unaware of others, or entitled? On the other hand, I admire the noble attributes of even minor characters, nudging me to become more cheerful, aware of others, and more forgiving and caring.
The story begins in Scrooge’s counting house on Christmas Eve. He declines to give alms to the poor, scares away a caroler, and unfairly berates his employee, Bob Cratchit. His nephew, Fred, arrives, issuing an annual invitation to the family Christmas celebration, which Scrooge not only declines, but includes a dismal lecture to his ever happy, congenial, and inclusive, relative. Throughout the story, Fred forgives, and continues being nice. Of his laugh, it was said “that nothing in the world is so contagious as laughter and good humor”. His character adds hope that we might have a positive influence even in the lives of the grouchiest people and never give up extending kindness, with no expectations of anything in return.
When Marley’s ghost haunts Scrooge, bound and chained, we are saddened that he didn’t learn the true lessons of life until after death. Yet, Marley desires to help his friend Ebenezer avoid his own torment. Two of his statements are seared in my mind. First, about his fetters; “I wear the chain I forged in life. I made it link by link and yard by yard; I girded it on of my own free will, and of my own free will I wore it”. Secondly, after Scrooge points out Marley was a good man of business in life, Marley replies; “Business! Mankind was my business. The common welfare was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance, and benevolence, were all my business. The dealings of my trade were but a drop of water in the comprehensive ocean of my business”.
Fezziwig happily balanced business and fun, with respect and love for his employees. His annual Christmas party filled them with gratitude. Scrooge’s astute observation of his first boss, aside the Spirit of Christmas Past, elicits these comments; “He (Fezziwig) has the power to render us happy or unhappy, to make our service light or burdensome; a pleasure or a toil. Say that his power lies in words and looks; in things so slight and insignificant that it is impossible to add and count ‘em up: what then? The happiness he gives, is quite as if it cost a fortune.” Wow, what a commentary on how we can improve our interpersonal relationships in all walks of life.
In company of Christmas Present, Scrooge sees that in spite of his dismal job, Bob Cratchit loved his family dearly. Though despised by his employer, he is adored by wife and children, who share faith in God, and love among each other, even in the poorest of circumstances. In the sadness of Christmas to Come, Cratchit never loses faith.
In conclusion, I return to the beginning when the ghost of Marley asked, “Why did I walk through crowds of fellow beings with my eyes turned down, and never raise them to that blessed Star which led the Wise Men to a poor abode? Were there no poor homes to which the light would have conducted me?”.
Today we associate Ebenezer Scrooge with “Bah Humbug”. Truly, we should remember the man changed by spiritual messengers. A new man, who did lift his eyes to his fellow beings. His wise visitors led him to the abode of the poor, back to his family, and into the realms of joyfulness and generosity, stating “I will honor Christmas in my heart and try to keep it all the year” he states.
Finally, as Tiny Tim reminds us, I echo, “God bless us everyone.”
Thus ends my 2017 commentary. As for 2025, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland recently gave this wise counsel – “This Christmas, may I invite each of you to be, however briefly, a family for someone who is otherwise alone. Loneliness is a terribly painful feeling.” I appreciate this, as holidays can be sad and lonely times for so many people and so many reasons as I’ve experienced myself. This year we have family and friends
who lost a spouse, children, grandchildren, had intense medical experiences or taxing concerns. We ourselves saw unexpected difficulties in various ways, which I believe helps us become better “noticers” of others who could use a friend.
We can join Ebenezer Scrooge in honoring Christmas in our hearts and trying to keep it all the year! Our church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) again encourages good people everywhere to Light the World during the Christmas season (and beyond) through kind acts of service. This message is echoed in churches and other caring organizations around the world as well as in our own neighborhoods. Whether a kingly sum or widows mite, we all have something to offer others – a smile, a kind gestures, a call, a text, a song, a card, caring for a child, a helping hand, a friend to share a meal with, a ride, a fun outing, a loving hug. Lighttheworld.org
As the Savior has said in Matthew 25:40 – “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”
Images from Alamy, JSTOR, my personal library
BowerCorner 