KINDNESS
is more than deeds.
It is an attitude,
an expression, a look, a touch.
It is anything that lifts another person.
Plato
“Walking in the Air”, performed by Libera (courtesy of Libera Official):
“A simple smile.
That’s the start of opening your heart
and being compassionate to others.”
The Dalai Lama
Courtesy of Beluga Lagoon Films:
The book reviewed today could be described as a work on kindness, the greatest of virtues, all others stem from there. Great writers were often helped by the kindness of others, and wrote about kindness as a deciding factor in achieving success in life. They are role models for all of us, don’t you agree?
CHARLES DICKENS
1812 – 1870
Courtesy of Charles Dickens:
It is acknowledged that Dickens was the greatest English writer, the most ingenious one, in a class of his own. His books seem not to have been plotted by the writer but traversed with his gift of observation and inspiration, as physically present and psychologically unfathomable as possible to engage his genius. He leads his reader down murky alleyways, misleading avenues, often strange and vivid, a world of dreamscape, so compelling that it isn’t easy to put it down.
Below is a medley of the carol Silent Night sung by Tiny Tim, the prisoners, the sailors on a hurricane-tossed ship, and as the last unmissable clip, a beautiful voice of a tenor, the Spirit on the hill.
A Christmas Carol
You know the story of this quintessential Christmas tale, but have you ever read it? So many times has the tale been told – in numerous stage and screen adaptations – that we are apt to think that we know the story very well indeed. Yet, no retelling comes close to capturing the humour, human sympathy, and kindness, the delicious spookiness, and ultimate good cheer of Dickens’s original narrative.
Courtesy of CBS Sunday Morning:
In less than a hundred pages, A Christmas Carol relates, with an imaginative richness that belies its brevity, how the crabbed soul of an uncaring old man, Ebenezer Scrooge, is summoned back to generous life by the visitation of four spirits: first the shade of his deceased business partner, Jacob Marley, and then the spirits of Christmas Past, Christmas Present, and Christmas Yet to Come.
A compilation of interesting clips from the film with Patrick Stewart as Ebenezer Scrooge.
The Ghost of Christmas Present
“King of the Cold” by Beluga Lagoon:
Through their hauntings, Scrooge is moved by fear and understanding to embrace the abandoned affections of his youth, confront the meanness of his current existence, and recognise the sordid end he will meet if he does not change his ways.
“Gabriel’s Message”, performed by Sheku Kanneh-Mason:
All of the author’s famous gifts are on display in this cheering fable of a miser’s Christmas Eve metamorphosis from misanthrope to a man of goodwill, including his talent for deft characterisation, for poignant sentiment, and for indigenous monikers; was ever any curmudgeon more aptly named than Ebenezer Scrooge? A Christmas Carol is my much-loved book and every Christmas I read the story and watch the film adaptation with Patrick Stewart as Scrooge, and cry my eyes out, moved by kindness the greatest virtue of all.
“The Pembroke Carol”, performed by The Choirs of Pembroke College, Cambridge:
The Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come
An extract from A Christmas Carol:
“A churchyard. Here, then the wretched man, whose name he had now to learn, lay underneath the ground. It was a worthy place. Walled in by houses; overrun by grass and weeds, the growth of vegetation’s death, not life; choked up by with too much burying.
The Spirit stood among the graves, and pointed down to One. He advanced towards it trembling. The Phantom was exactly as it has been, but he dreaded that he saw new meaning in its solemn shape.
‘Before I draw nearer to that stone to which you point,’ said Scrooge, ‘answer me one question. Are these the shadows of the things that will be, or are they shadows of the things that Will be, or are they shadows of the things that May be only?’
Still, the Ghost pointed to the grave by which it stood.
‘Men’s courses will foreshadow certain ends, to which, if persevered in, they must lead,’ said Scrooge. ‘But if the courses be departed from, the end will change. Say it is thus with what you show me!’
The Spirit was immovable as ever.
Scrooge crept towards it, trembling as he went; and, following the finger, read upon the stone of the neglected grave his own name, EBENEZER SCROOGE.
‘Am I that man who lay upon the bed?’ he cried upon his knees.
The finger pointed from the grave to him, and back again.
‘No, Spirit! Oh no, no!’
The finger still was there.
‘Spirit!’ he cried, tight clutching at his robe, ‘hear me! I am not the man I was. I will not be the man I must have been but for this intercourse. Why show me this, if I am past all hope?’
For the first time, the hand appeared to shake.
‘Good Spirit,’ he pursued, as down upon the ground he fell before it, ‘your nature intercedes for me, and pities me. Assure me that I yet may change these shadows you have shown me by an altered life?’
The kind hand trembled.
‘I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future. The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me. I will not shut out the lessons that they teach. Oh, tell me I may sponge away the writing on this stone!’
In his agony he caught the spectral hand. It sought to free itself, but he was strong in his entreaty, and detained it. The Spirit stronger yet, repulsed him. Holding up his hands in a last prayer to have his fate reversed, he saw an alteration in the Phantom’s hood and dress. It shrunk, collapsed, and dwindled down into a bedpost.
Yes! and the bedpost was his own. The bed was his own, the room was his own. Best and happiest of all, the Time before him was his own, to make amends in!”
A typical Christmas feast in England,
in many homes now vegetarian by sparing the turkey
“The Huron Carol”, performed by The Choirs of Pembroke College, Cambridge (courtesy of Anna Lapwood):
naturetails 
I did not know about Charles Dickens train crash nor that it shortened his life though given his fame I feel it is something I should have heard about. I don’t remember how old I was when I first heard or read the Christmas Carol. I do know it always made me cry. One of my favourite stories was Tale of Two Cities which also made me cry! He must have been a man of great compassion to have been able to write about the people he portrayed as he did. You never fail to find such lovely videos and musical pieces. It is always nice to be reminded what a wonderful instrument is the cello.
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This book is a beautiful reminder to all of us about Christmas values and faith. Wish you could also include ‘ Tale of two cities’ a remarkable book, with strong characters and during an inspiring times as well. Would also love to know more about Dickens, because you paint such an outstanding picture, that when your blogs are small, we feel you finished too soon. W
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Amazing dear Gaby. A pleasure to read and the artwork was wonderful.
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Thank you, Carolyn, for your wonderful comments. I haven’t finished with Dickens yet but Christmas Carol needs to be written about separately as it is unique. It won’t be next week because there is a tale so uplifting that I will write about every Christmas as long as I am alive. Please don’t miss it!
Joanna
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Thank you, Amrita, for your kind comments! Christmas Carol is so unique that it has to be written about separately. Of course, I haven’t finished with Dickens as yet!
Next week there will be a tale so extraordinary and so uplifting, that I will write about every Christmas as long as I live.
Joanna
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Thank you, John, for your kind comments! Greatly appreciated.
Joanna (not Gaby)
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Hello dear Joanna. And you are welcome.
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This week’s book is the perfect choice Joanna. Charles Dickens wrote some great novels, but this is certainly one of his best, and once again, you’ve thrown in some valuable information to go with it. I haven’t seen the film with Patrick Stewart, and you’ve also introduced me to a band that I hadn’t heard of before: Beluga Lagoon sound right up my street as I’m a great lover of contemporary Scottish music, and I can tell that there’s a lot of depth to their songs. I shall definitely be finding out more about them.
Once again, you’ve set the bar extremely high Joanna, and I can’t think of a better way to get into the Christmas spirit than by joining you and Charles Dickens in a book that is not only a great read, but a lesson for us all 😊
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Thank you, Malc, for your wonderful comments! I have to write more about Dickens, and I will after Christmas. Next week there will be a tale greatly uplifting and unmissable. If you can get the DVD with Patrick Stewart, it is the best version. Thank you, Malc for making me feeling good, greatly appreciated.
Joanna
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Thank you!
Joanna
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What a great post, full of details. images and music for one of the most famous Christmas books in the world❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️
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Well researched post, Joanna! Excellent article!
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Thank you, Joanna, for one more wonderful post on Charles Dickens and his novella, A Christmas Carol, which is so timely and appropriate.
Though I have not read it, I loved the theme. Forgiveness gives strength, not weakness. Kindness has its own value that is also reflected in quotes of Plato and Dalai Lama given in the beginning of your post.
I had read Oliver Twist that talked of an orphan, who encountered a number of setbacks, showing how the poor were treated badly in society. Dickens’ own childhood was also difficult, who had to start working at 12.
Personal information of the renowned authors you share is always unique. Similarly, the videos add their educative value. Thank you, Joanna again. Merry Christmas to you, well in advance!
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You’re more than welcome Joanna
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Thank you, Kaushal, for your compendious comments! As one of the readers pointed out Christmas Carol is one of the most famous books in the world. Shame that you haven’t read it because it leaves a mark on your soul. My second favorite book is David Copperfield about his difficult childhood, it resonates strongly with me because mine was too. The film with Patrick Stewart is so good that it is worth getting hold of.
Next week will be a very good post that will move you and uplift you in both measures.
Thank you for always being my true friend, and for the good wishes.
Joanna
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Thank you, Indira, for your kind comments. Greatly appreciated.
Joanna
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Thank you, Luisa, for your wonderful comments! Love all the hearts as they make me feel happy and appreciated.
Joanna
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Yes, Joanna – kindness is the greatest virtue! I didn’t much enjoy the ghosts and Scrooge, but loved Tiny Tim and the Cratchit family. The Christmas Carol is certainly a very christmassy book and Dickens was a master of his craft!
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Thank you, Harini, for your kind comments! This book carries the message of goodwill to all. We can learn so much from the dramatic change in the old miser, a proof if needed that the miracles happen.
Joanna
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Definitely MY pleasure, Joanna
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Thank you, Joanna, for this gorgeous and meaningful Christmas post. From the memorable quotes from Plato and the Dalai Lama, through inspiring holiday music, to biographical information about Charles Dickens and his immortal Christmas Carol, this is a stellar post! I am richly rewarded for taking the time to enjoy it.
I wish you the merriest Christmas season and a New Year that exceeds your fondest expectations! ❤
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Excellent post, Joanna. I enjoyed all the fabulous details. Thank you!
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Thank you, Lauren, for your wonderful comment! Greatly appreciated.
Joanna
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Why shame, Joanna? There are so many books that I have not read, and it’s practically not possible to read all books, even if good ones. As I read more, I find how ignorant I’m. This is the beauty of knowledge.
I know the topic of your next post. I have a video. If you say, I’ll send it to you for your information and doing the needful, if any.
Thank you, Joanna, and always welcome!
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Yes, you are right. Please, could I have the video? Thank you! He is my hero!!
Joanna
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Oh sure, I’ll send it via email. See if it’s of any use to you. And yes, he is the real hero.
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I have sent it. Please check.
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Thank you!
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I think we sometimes, show kindness without realizing it. The first quote thought me😀😀😀.
Please the poem you commented on : This day has been trashed. I published it twice, so you can get access to the first one.. 🙏.
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Another wonderful post Joanna on Charles Dickens and I can’t wait to have some time to savor each wonderful gift you shared with us, thank you so much! 💞
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Thank you, Cindy, take your time!
Joanna
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I like to savor each word… thank you💞
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You are a charmer, Cindy!
Joanna
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A wonderful Christmas gift, Joanna. As usual, you always give us extra goodies with the history, music, pictures, etc. Happy Christmas.
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Thank you, Pat, for your generous comments!
Very much appreciated.
Joanna
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Charles Dickens is undoubtedly one of the most recognised classic writer Joanna. But its also true that If i wont read your posts how else would I know about such intricate details of their lives. Even though I haven’t read it too but I know about it well.
The quotes put a smile to my evening face. Also that Christmas is a special time, almost forgiving and I look forward to it. Like I am looking forward to next week’s post and your true followers know it of course.
Thank you Joanna.
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Thank you, Narayan, for your generous comments. I can only be glad that readers of my posts enjoy the details of many important writers lives and what influenced their works.
Thank you again, Narayan, greatly appreciated.
I like the inspirational quotes too.
Joanna
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And you are a historian of love of history, animals and people! ❣️
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Thank you so much!
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always ❣️
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Thanks for sharing this Gaby.
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Thank you for your kind comment. Greatly appreciated.
Joanna
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Such a classic story and, as always, beautifully presented with great illustrations and music. Thank you Joanna.
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Dear Joanna, I was wondering when you would get to Dickens! My favourite author. His stories are still so very vital. And there’s more to come? Can’t wait! 🌹🤗💓🎄🎅🙋♂️
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Dear Ashley,
I was just reading your wonderful verses on the importance and significance of today!
Thank you, Dear Ashley, for your exuberantly decorated comments about my post on the important Charles Dicken’s work, I adore, Christmas Carol.
Yes, more about Dickens will follow but not before Christmas. You will like and be uplifted by the extraordinary story this Saturday.
Joanna xxx
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Joanna, you never disappoint! Dickins is indeed an extraordinary writer. I eagerly look forward to the next post from you. Meanwhile, watch out for my card! 💘💓
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This additional note is a bit late but a quick mention about a BBC4 showing of A Christmas Carol on Christmas Day. It was from the Nottingham Playhouse and included the actors Mark Gatiss and Nicholas Farrell. It was excellent. If you didn’t see it you might be able to get it on iPlayer. 🌹🙋♂️
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Thank you, Ashley, for your kind addition but every Christmas traditionally I read Christmas Carol in Charles Dickens book, as I have all his works, and watch DVD of Christmas Carol with Patrick Stewart in main role. His version is the best, as I have all DVD’s ever made.
Thank you again, Ashley, greatly appreciate.
I hope that you are both well.
Joanna
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