What the Dickens?

At the end of October, just before Halloween’s ghouls and goblins gear up for a trick or treat frenzy, Christmas and the holiday season begins to seep into the commercial landscape, as a number of Scrooge-like villains exclaim, “Bah, humbug!”

Dickensian, definition-wise, “is of or reminiscent of the novels of Charles Dickens, especially in suggesting the poor social conditions or comically repulsive characters that they portray.” Of course, Dickens is the author of “A Christmas Carol” — where three spirits visit the antagonist Ebenezer, as the tale’s protagonist is perhaps Christmas spirit (possessing it or lacking it).

It seems the world, at times, resembles a Dickensian dystopian society searching for a little bit of love to put in the world’s collective heart. John Lennon sang, “So this is Christmas and what have you done? Another year over, a new one just begun.” A song just as prevalent in today’s society, as it was in the 1970s, when Lennon dreamed of the miraculous idea, “War is over. If you want it.” Wouldn’t it be nice if a little bit of Christmas spirit lasted the whole year through?

Each year, a majority of Canadians make a resolution at the turn of the New Year at midnight Jan. 1. It’s as if time resets and a clean slate has been offered. So, why not make a resolution to be more loving, caring, compassionate towards fellow humans being on planet Earth? Forget about petty squabbles, don’t judge, cut some slack (especially towards one’s self), be kind, practice tolerance, etc. Just be a better more improved YOU. It starts with one simple step — and that’s taking time to care for yourself, so you can in turn, pass it forward.

All you need is love, The Beatles said it best. But, giving and sharing should be a 365 days a year and 24/7 kind of pursuit. But remember, charity starts at home, as in — keeping one’s self happy, healthy, and wise. This Christmas and New Year be the change in the world you want to see. The law of attraction can become real if you truly believe.

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