Bob Cratchit and Ebenezer Scrooge

Quotes from A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens:

“Darkness is cheap, and Scrooge liked it.” ~ Narrator

“Bah, Humbug.” ~ Ebenezer Scrooge

“God bless us, every one!” ~ Tiny Tim

“I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future. The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me. I will not shut out the lessons that they teach!” ~ Scrooge

My favorite Christmas story is A Christmas Carol. This story of a miserly, selfish and cruel man who learns shocking and life-altering lessons delivered by three ghosts always helps to restore my hope that people can sometimes find their better angels.

And, one of my favorite Christmas songs is White Christmas, which refers to the iconic snowy holiday, but which also has a multicultural, sad and bittersweet backstory that you can read about in this article.

As such, I offer a parody of White Christmas, a twist on our modern times in which rational behavior has taken a back seat to political insanity, white supremacy and antisemitism have again reared their ugly heads and cruelty has eclipsed kindness. Perhaps we can bring about a reset in how we relate to our fellow humans — and non-humans — beginning with this holiday season.    

Meanwhile, the parody may be sung — if you are so inclined — to the traditional tune sung by Bing Crosby or to the more modern rendition by Michael Bublé and Shania Twain:

I’m dreaming of a kind Christmas
Much like the ones we used to know
When people smile and greet you
And not defeat you
Because they view you as a foe

I’m dreaming of a kind Christmas
Without the meshugas we see
Respect for ev’ryone should be
Flowing from our hearts so full and free

I’m dreaming of a kind Christmas
Where there’s no place for bigotry.
Where background and status 
Won’t prompt some to attack us
Instead find similarity

I’m dreaming of a kind Christmas
With there is not a Scrooge in sight
May you all find the ties that bind
And may all your Christmases be kind.

My wish for you, dear readers, is a very happy holiday season, whether you observe Hanukkah, Christmas, Winter Solstice or Kwanzaa, or a combination of these celebrations. And a kinder and more inclusive, thoughtful and peaceful New Year to all!

Until next time,

Jeanne 

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CHRISTMAS MOVIES TO WATCH AND CELEBRATE  

“POLITICALLY CORRECT” = DECENCY AND RESPECT

KWANZAA ETIQUETTE 

HANUKKAH ETIQUETTE 

HOLIDAY ETIQUETTE REMINDERS 

YES, VIRGINIA, THERE IS A BLACK FRIDAY 

DECK THE HALLS WITHOUT THE FOLLY 

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS 

DECEMBER HOLIDAYS 

HOLIDAY GIFT GIVING

THE HOLIDAY OFFICE PARTY