Charles Dickens' great story of Ebenezer Scrooge has been depicted in numerous cartoons and movies, but long before this meaningful story became a commercial success, it was enjoyed by English-speaking families across the world. We learned from Ebenezer Scrooge, a man who personified stinginess, that it is better to give than to receive, especially since the giver reaps the benefits of giving, having made a difference in the lives of others. Dickens taught readers that Christmas time was a holiday for giving, for sharing a meal and for displaying kindness with those who are lonely and who could benefit from some assistance. This timeless story enriched the minds of young and old alike as Dicken's storytelling was a means of teaching society how to behave in an ethical--rather than selfish--manner.
Christmas stories are profound teachers that enable readers and listeners to make educated decisions based on intense, inner analysis. Furthermore, it is through reading them with a group that such great stories improve our English-speaking skills. Sharing a story is one of the oldest human traditions, a means of inter-generational and multicultural connectivity evoking all of the senses. These great stories fill hearts with enchanted dreams.
The Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future teach Scrooge the negative results of stinginess and greediness. No doubt, these concepts arise when a group of readers discuss the motivations for Scrooge's greediness. Did Scrooge become so greedy due to his beloved girlfriend whom he lost, or was it his own fault that his girlfriend left him back when he was young? Did such stinginess transform him into a mean man? Did the observation of another individual ultimately turn Scrooge into a caring individual, putting him on the righteous path? Readers might ponder whether it was really necessary for Scrooge to have a frightening visit from a phantom in order to make him, as stingy as he was, to change his ways? One might ask whether people should do good things with heavenly rewards in mind? Was it ultimately Scrooge's guilt over the illness of a small child that caused Ebenezer Scrooge to see the light? This stimulating debate has continued for decades, and hopefully, it will cause readers to ponder such questions for decades to come.
The Gift of the Magi (1905) by the American author O Henry depicts the difficulties that were faced by young married couples in the early Twentieth Century. The main protagonist Della, a poor housewife, makes great sacrifices, demonstrating parsimony, in order to save up one dollar and eighty-seven cents to purchase a meaningful Christmas gift for her husband Jim. Likewise, Jim also makes a profound sacrifice to provide Della with a suitable gift. The two equate Christmas with the acts of gift-giving and consumerism, but they learn that Christmas means more than just a shopping holiday. Rather, their sacrifices made for the benefit of others count more than anything else. It is not only Christ's sacrifice but also the personal offerings that people make to those who surround them that make Christmas an enchanted and magical holiday. The Gift of the Magi is often read in the American public schools, but this story merits deep discussion by adults and intellectuals of all ages. It ends with a surprising twist that both pleases and disappoints readers depending upon their own personal philosophies. The Gift of the Magi is not very long so it is perfect reading on Christmas Eve.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1957) by Dr Seuss always pleases children during the Christmas Season. Not only does it teach about feelings of love, but it also helps readers develop a sense of rhyme and rhythm. The Grinch is a greedy creature who steals all of the gifts from the inhabitants of Whoville. He discovers that materials goods stolen from others do not represent happiness so he decides to return them. In an attempt to teach young readers that there is more to the holiday season than receiving gifts from others, Dr Seuss employed imaginative rhyming verses. Readers of all ages will enjoy reading this story time and time again.
The famous poem entitled The Night Before Christmas (1837), possibly written by Clement Clarke Moore, has done much to shape the modern vision of Santa Claus. Santa is depicted as a magical person who delivers gifts to children on Christmas Eve. In this poem Christmas focuses more on children than on adults. The father tells a story of how he catches a glimpse of Santa while his children are asleep. The sound of the poem, which is in a limerick form, delights readers who enjoy the natural limerick beat.
In The Three Kings, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow portrays the plight of those who sought Jesus at the time of his birth. The kings behold a star that represents the birth as foretold in a prophecy. The new King would be greater than Herod himself. Such a child would be the son of God, a child born to save humankind. Longfellow paints a portrait of Mary, the mother of Christ who, although worried, has absolute faith in the promise of an Angel. Such a lively poem reminds readers and listeners about the true origins of Christmas that compel us to believe in the child who also represents the possibilities, potentialities, and capabilities of childhood in general.
From the stories that we share at Christmas time are born the stories of our lives, many of which are cast onto a paper to be explored further. May Christmastime become the stimulus for growth resulting from such a rich storytelling tradition. Telling the story of Christmas has been, after all, handed down to all of us from prior generations who still remain our ancestors to be appreciated.
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