Christmas Traditions Still Shine in 2021:

From Dickens’s ‘Christmas Carol’

To George Bailey’s ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’

By Tom Anselm

This December finds me wearing a lovely grey foam collar, courtesy of my recent neck surgery. I am recovering nicely from this procedure, which means I get to celebrate another holiday with my wife and kids and grands.

Just that, right there, makes it “a very Merry Merry Christmas, this year.”I have in recent years re-read the classic ‘A Christmas Carol’ by Charles Dickens in the weeks leading up to this celebration. This year will be no different. And no doubt Jill and I will once again watch ‘It’s A Wonderful Life,’ with good old George Bailey as the hero.

These two traditional seasonal works have some interesting things in common. Back in 1843, Dickens was a struggling author, in serious financial difficulty. It was the height of the Industrial Revolution in England, and things were rather bleak.

He wrote this story of the redemption of a miserly old banker, but couldn’t get it published. So he went about getting it printed and distributed himself. It became such a success that some credit it with reviving the idea of a ‘traditional Christmas’ that grew in that country and remains so across many parts of the world. Did wonders for his bank statement, as well.

And the same might be said of another writer, Phillip Van Dorn, who wrote a short story called ‘The Greatest Gift’ in 1935. Like Dickens, he self-published his work, and it was helpful to his cause.

But it lay dormant for some years, until in 1944 , Hollywood producers found it and it became the movie starring James Stewart and Donna Reed. Since about the 1970s, it has enjoyed a revival and to this day is a definite ‘must-see’ during the season.

So both authors having to self-publish, both stories about men and money. And of course, both with memorable characters, with Dickens’ Scrooge, and the movies’ protagonist, George Bailey. Not to mention Clarence Oddbody, Angel 2nd Class! Both, also, bringing to us a story of hope.

(Tom Anselm now has a youtube channel called “A Boomer’s Journal: Online Edition.” Check it out, and subscribe if you wish.)

A Christmas Haiku

Gabriel’s visit

“Do not be afraid,” he said

She opened her heart

Joseph was confused

The angel said “Do not fear.”

He woke with a smile.

A donkey she rode

Joseph walked to Bethlehem.

Wond’ring what would be.

Coming to the town

Mary soon to deliver,

Every inn was full.

A stable was found,

Not the best, but safe, and warm

Cows and sheep make room.

Quite soon, as she lay,

Pain gave way to wondrous joy

The Savior is born.

Dazzling is the sky

Great song comes from Seraphim

The shepherds exult.

Quiet lies the child

Resting in his mother’s arms,

Joseph stands in awe.

Lowly shepherds come

Just to see the new-born king

They pay their homage.

Soon, from lands a-far,

Magi, following the star,

Incense, gold and myrrh.

So, in humble form

He comes to us, our savior,

Rejoice, He is here.

God Bless us, Everyone.

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