A Christmas Carol was first published on December 19, 1843, 180 years ago today. In that time, it has never been out of print, and is unlikely to ever be, at least as long as we celebrate Christmas.
I read the book again at this time each year and am always moved by its message that Christmas can serve as a reminder that we can be better, more compassionate and kinder people. If you have never actually sat down and read the novella, rather than rely on its countless adaptations, doing so is a holiday gift you owe to yourself.
The book is written in five “staves.” Several years ago, I sat down and wrote Stave Six, Afterwards as an epilogue, set decades later. I had committed so much of the original to memory that I only had to check back once to be sure of one reference.
More than a few others have made their own sequels, mostly reminding that maintaining a giving heart over time is difficult and that we need reminding at this time of year. I began mine by taking Dickens at his word that Scrooge was true to his word and lived in the spirit of Christmas the whole year, though perhaps the same message applies.
This holiday season for many is not as “merry and bright” as we might wish, but I wish you hope and enough joy to be able to share the same with others in these dark time.
