A Good Night with Charles Dickens

Every year during this week I watch at least one or two renditions of Charles Dickens transformative classic, A Christmas Carol. It was written in bad times, economically and socially in England. I believe there are currently well over 30 different film versions. The story was transformative as an agent of reversing terrible social conditions, many fueled by the migrations into the cities brought on by the industrial revolution. It reflected Dickens’ abhorrence of the human capacity for inhumanity as well as his personal love for a holiday that evoked charitable and warm behaviors. It became so popular that it gave Christmas many of the trappings we see today. It was not a much celebrated event in England at the time and the goose was the centerpiece of the holiday dinner. The book brought on the turkey we may believe is the meal of choice. Roast pork, black beans and rice, yucca with onions, and plantains on Christmas Eve would be what you’d see at our home, should you visit sometime. But the opportunity for merriment and warming of our hearts is cast upon us, food notwithstanding (we call it Noche Buena … meaning The Good Night).

I truly love the film because of what it can do on an individual, more personal level. It evokes a reflection and introspection that lives can change their direction, choices matter, and that goodwill can be infectious. The message is not depended on faith or beliefs, but rather about attitude and behaviors. (In fact, the religious attributions are more recent than many realize). His book changed our world long before we were born. It can change it yet some more, if we each change our lives by choice.

Our wishes to you for the happiest of holidays! May your lives be enriched with better choices and the affection of those around you.