'Tis the Season

What is generally considered the most festive time of year, filled with good cheer and brotherly love is here. The month of December herald some of the biggest annual holidays of the year across the world. For some, however, this time of year brings hardship and depression and 2020 has had a monopoly on these circumstances. This brings to mind a most famous story written by Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol. Early in the story, local citizens are asking Ebenezer Scrooge for donations for the poor.

"At this festive season of the year, Mr. Scrooge," said the gentleman, taking up a pen, "it is more than usually desirable that we should make some slight provision for the poor and destitute, who suffer greatly at the present time. Many thousands are in want of common necessaries; hundreds of thousands are in want of common comforts, sir."

"Are there no prisons?" asked Scrooge.

"Plenty of prisons," said the gentleman, laying down the pen again.

"And the Union workhouses?" demanded Scrooge. "Are they still in operation?"

"They are. Still," returned the gentleman, "I wish I could say they were not."

"The Treadmill and the Poor Law are in full vigour, then?" said Scrooge.

"Both very busy, sir."

"Oh! I was afraid, from what you said at first, that something had occurred to stop them in their useful course," said Scrooge. "I am very glad to hear it."

Of course everyone familiar with this classic Christmas story knows by the end that Scrooge not only found his humanity but depths of generosity and humility. He finally understands that true happiness and contentment are found more richly through compassion and sharing with fellow human beings. With this most special time of year upon us, be generous - of spirit and pocketbook - if you are so blessed to do so.