"Scrooge was a lot better than his word... He became of the same quality a pal, nearly as good a master, and of the same quality a man as the nice old City knew, or some other good Three spirit old city, town, or borough in the good old world.
... And it was always said of him, that he knew how to keep Christmas well if any man alive possessed the knowledge. May that be truly said folks and many of us! And so, as Tiny Tim observed, God bless Us, Everyone!"
~ Charles Dickens
Each year at Christmastime, my husband Jim and I watch the film, A Christmas Carol, with Alastair Sim as Scrooge. We love it so much that a few years ago we bought our personal copy.
My personal favorite scene bar none (and there are some GREAT scenes in this movie) is usually the one where Scrooge has awakened from the nightmare of the three spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, and is really pleased to be alive and capable of doing good on the planet that he can barely contain himself. He runs to the window and calls to a tiny boy walking below. Scrooge asks the boy to go to the nearby butcher, buy the largest turkey, and bring it to his clerk, Bob Cratchit, and his family.
The young boy responds with, "Wha'- the one as large as me?" and Scrooge, with a heart planning to burst, laughs aloud with joy and gratitude, for the boy, for his new life, and for his good fortune to have the ability to make a positive difference in another's life. He says more to himself than to the planet: "Ah, delightful boy! Enchanting boy!" and sends the youth off on his errand of goodwill.
It's all I can perform to consider that scene without weeping. Scrooge's transformation is miraculous and instantaneous. "Get up!" the movie says. Extend joy and find it. Gain true wealth by giving it away. Light, laughter, peace, and goodwill are right in front of us. Any moment might be a moment of transformation. We don't even need to appear very far.
The Spirit of Christmas occurs throughout the year. We need only look. Let your heart laugh, choose happiness, and get this moment a present-day moment.
Judy Ringer is the author of Unlikely Teachers: Locating the Hidden Gifts in Daily Conflict and the award-winning e-zine, Ki Moments, containing stories and practices on turning life's challenges into life teachers. Judy is just a black belt in aikido and nationally known presenter, specializing in unique workshops on conflict, communication, and developing a positive work environment. She could be the founder of Power & Presence Training and chief instructor of Portsmouth Aikido, Portsmouth, NH, USA. To sign up for more free tips and articles like these, visit