Put a little love in your heart the whole year through

Charles Dickens’ tale of a money-grubbing Scrooge who turns over a new leaf after witnessing his eventual isolated demise, thanks to the help of a few ghosts of his past, present and future — continues to provide the ultimate awareness campaign for a consumer-obsessed society.
But, if we can take the message and use it for our collective good then the classic literary gem has done its part, as it has for decades. Sometimes one must change his/her ways, as to not fall into a downward spiral into the abyss. Re-invention of one’s self is good, from time to time, especially if your daily mantra is “Bah, Humbug.”
“A Christmas Carol” is indeed one of fictional history’s greatest stories ever told. But, it still rings true just as much today as it did when it was written in the 1800s. You’d think we would learn a thing or two about generosity or being kind to one another.
Sure, most of us pay it forward and help our fellow man/woman but there are still some grinches throughout Whoville and beyond, in need of a visit from their ghosts of the past, present and future. But, we could all use a refresher — couldn’t we?
Giving is one of the greatest gifts a person can receive. Especially if the gift is quality time spent with a loved one. The holidays are truly a busy time for those celebrating Christmas, but each and every participant in the holiday season needs to take time to really celebrate the art of giving. As the Grinch so eloquently put it, “What if Christmas doesn’t come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.” Santa, of course, originally represented the giving heart but his legacy became muddled over the ages, as consumerism continued to grow. But, luckily, his gift-giving nature has been preserved. Of course, in Christianity, gifts were given to celebrate a baby’s birth.
Charlie Brown picked a lonely, sorry excuse of a tree in “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” but with a little love and compassion — the gang turned the tree into a Christmas miracle. In the Christmas film “Scrooged,” Bill Murray learned to, “Put a little love in your heart.” In the TV holiday special “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” even misfit toys found homes and the love of a young boy or girl. And, in “A Christmas Carol” and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” both villains or antagonists became the hero by eventually making a choice — the decision to follow one’s heart.
Doing what is right is defined differently by each individual and their moral compass, not necessarily a religious set of standards.
True, Christmas is a religious holiday. But, its traditions have become because of families and friends taking the lead to make the holidays merry and bright for their neighbours. Santa, feasts and libations, carols, gifts, and the like are as synonymous with Christmas as trick or treats on Halloween, turkey at Thanksgiving and singing “Happy Birthday” when someone gets older.
Keep traditions alive however you and your family see fit. Take time to love each other and lend a helping hand to those who may need a little extra love, not only during the holiday season, but the whole year through.