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:
As the season of goodwill is approaching, this week’s post is about a book, which 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):
“And Winter Came…” by Enya (courtesy of Tatiana Blue 2):
naturetails 
Welcome back, Joanna. I think this is your first post in a while and perfect to celebrate this Christmas season (and certainly not Friday the 13th-ish).
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Welcome back, dearest Joanna 🤗🤗🤗
As always your post is absolutely fascinating and also so timely
I found the descriptions really interesting and the pictures and videos fabulous.
Thank you for sharing.
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Christmas is without doubt a special time of year. There are may things that make it special – the religious aspect of course, the bright lights , the festivities, Father Christmas and presents around the Christmas Tree – but it is also a Gabychops Christmas post. Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without one – so welcome back Joanna. You’ve made it a Happy Christmas for me already.
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Thank you, Pat, for your kind comments! As I am not superstitious the date means nothing to me.
Merry Christmas, Pat!
Joanna
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Thank you, dearest Luisa, for your generous comments! Your words are greatly appreciated!
Merry Christmas!
Joanna x
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Thank you, Malc, for your wonderful comments! Your praise is my early Christmas present, and it is deeply appreciated!
Merry Christmas, Malc to you and your family!
Joanna x
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Thank you Joanna. It really is great to see you back 😊x
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Thank you so much, Malc, you are very kind, as always!
Joanna X
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Thanks for this post Joanna. I have read the book, but it has been so long ago. Since that time, I have seen many versions on the screen. I will take your suggestion and go back and read it again. I do love Dickens writing style. Welcome back Joanna and have a wonderful Friday. Allan
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Thank you so much, Allan, for your kind comments! I am elated that you will read the book, and thank you for your good wishes!
Joanna
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Merry Christmas 🎄🎄 to you too
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Thank you, Pat!
Joanna
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Thank you for this lovely post Joanna! I love all the beautiful thoughts, and in particular the medley of Silent Night was quite moving. Merry Christmas.
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A fine essay. If many more people consciously tried to practice kindness, the world would be significantly better. By the way, I noticed that Dickens didn’t even make it to age 60. I hadn’t known that.
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Thank you, Neil, for your kind comments! Dickens wrote well over thirty full-size books, and all by hand as there was no today’s technology in his days, so I am surprised that he only lived that long! He is my favourite writer and Christmas Carol is a book I can never be tired of reading.
Merry Christmas, Neil to you and your wife!
Joanna
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Thank you so much, Dorothy, for your lovely comments! If you have a chance see Christmas Carol wonderfully portrayed by Patric Stewart on his DVD. Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Joanna x
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I actually watched it last weekend, it is my favorite version!
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My too, Dorothy! Thank you, you made my day!
Joanna x
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I’m so happy to see you back, Joanna! I read A Christmas Carol when I was a little girl and of course I have seen many productions of it and Dickens’ other stories over the years. We need more like him! Your own presentation is marvelous with so much to enjoy. Nothing says Christmas quite like the carols from Cambridge. The sound is quite unique. I love the young cellist and also King f the Cold. Thank you Joanna for a special Christmas message.
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So nice your back to writing, As always its a wonderful post,keep going, stay healthy,stay blessed.❤️❤️
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Dear Joanna, so good to find your post in my reader. You know you were missed.
This is a perfect post for the festive season. So wonderful that you refreshed my memory. I read the book a long time ago. You chose wonderful excerpts and the videos and pictures are such a lovely bonus.
Merry Christmas, dear. Wishing you good health.
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Thank you so much, Carolyn, for your wonderful comments! I am happy to be back and I love the beautiful words about the special message! Thank you again, Carolyn, much appreciated!
Merry Christmas to you and all your family!
Joanna
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Thank you so much, Prafulla, for your generous comments! All greatly appreciated!
Joanna
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Thank you, dear Punam, for your wonderful comments! Your kind wishes are much appreciated!
Joanna x
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My pleasure, Joanna. xoxo
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Thank you again, dear Punam, you are very kind!
Joanna x
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After a long time, Joanna, I have the pleasure of reading your well-crafted piece, which explores a timely and delightful topic. Starting with the inspiring quotes from Plato and the Dalai Lama, you beautifully set the tone for your post about the wonderful festival of Christmas.
Charles Dickens was a remarkable author, and I’ve always admired his writing style. I’m delighted that you chose to focus on his great work in your post. I’ve read Oliver Twist and Great Expectations, but what I truly admire about Dickens is his dedication to philanthropy. He was committed to addressing social issues, particularly child poverty and the plight of marginalised women. Urania Cottage, which he helped establish, is a testament to his efforts.
You have rightly mentioned that his works are mostly based on observations and inspirations. After reading a report on the harsh conditions faced by children working in mines, Dickens resolved to write a story that would not only entertain but also inspire reflection and change. In just six weeks, he penned A Christmas Carol.
Interestingly, he had to bear half the publication costs himself, as his publishers didn’t initially see the value in a Christmas-themed story. Yet, the novella went on to become one of the greatest literary works, emphasising the importance of understanding and addressing the needs of others, a message that aligns perfectly with the festive spirit of Christmas. As you have mentioned, it’s a small book, but conveys a lot of meanings. It’s like the ocean in a pot.
Your audios and videos, as always, enhance the key points you’ve highlighted. Thank you, Joanna, for this beautiful and thoughtful post after such a long time.
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A wonderful post for this special time of the year when goodwill is meant for ALL, for everyone! 🤗😘💓🙋♂️
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Thank you, dear Kaushal, for your wonderfully analytical comments! As always, you add so much to my post with your observations and less-known to many facts. I couldn’t include all information about Dickens life because the post would be far too long, that is why I greatly appreciate your excellent comments! Thank you!
Joanna
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Thank you, Ashley, for your beautiful comments! You are right that the message of goodwill is for everyone! Thank you, Ashley!
Merry Christmas for you and your family!
Joanna x
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The kindness of others through the stories they share and the love they give is well spoken through your words dear Joanna. Thanks for sharing and welcome back my friend! 🥰🎄🙏🏼💖🤗
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Thank you, dear Kym, for your beautiful comments! I am very happy to be back, especially when reading the kind words of readers like you, Kym!
Joanna x
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Rather, many thanks to you not only for the kindness of your reply but also for the wonderful and precious posts with which you delight us.
Merry Christmas to you too, dear Joanna ✨✨✨
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Thank you, dearest Luisa, for your gracious reply! You are the gem of a friend, and I cherish your friendship!
Joanna x
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You’re welcome, always. I agree with you, Joanna, Dickens in his short life had done many laudable things, which need a lot of space to be described. I had read him in my college days too.
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Thank you, Kaushal, I find it difficult to imagine how he could write all thirty-four large books by hand as today’s technology wasn’t at his time in place! I think of him as a genius.
Joanna
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💞💞💞
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XXX!
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It’s wonderful to see you again Joanna, and I thoroughly enjoyed your marvellous compilation. I hope you are keeping well and avoiding all the nasty bugs that seem to be around again. A great selection of facts, pictures, and music, and you’ve introduced me to a new group, Beluga Lagoon. I shall have to explore their music further. Thank you, and best wishes for a peaceful Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year
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Thank you so much, Peter, for your kind words and wonderful comments! I am happy to be back and have all the precaution jabs so I should be fine over winter. I am happy that you are interested in the new group as you are a great connoisseur of music. All the best for your Christmas and the New Year for you and your family.
Joanna
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A lovely post and nice music/videos. Happy Holidays!
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Thank you, Monica, for your kind comment! All the best for the festive season for you too!
Joanna
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Awww, you are so very welcome my dear Joanna! Sending you lots of love, hugs, and cheers my friend. Have a wonderful weekend! 🥰💖😘
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It’s the first one I watch each year now to get me in the spirit. His acting is so superb, and the whole production is stellar!
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Joanna, it is good to find you back in the blogosphere and what a lovely post it was, peppered with musical videos of the season. I will note that your theme of kindness nicely represents the transformation of Scrooge!
Last night I attended a recitation of the Christmas Carol by a storytelling friend who is 10 years my senior. It was his 49th consecutive performance and he promises to be back for number 50 next year – he will be 90 years young then. I shared your blog with him and I think he’ll like it.
Wishing you holiday cheer and good health in the new year. Stewart K.
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Well-researched and apt post for the season!!
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Thank you so much, Stewart, for your wonderful comments, and for sharing my post with your friend! Thank you also for your festive good wishes and the New Year.
Joanna
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Thank you so much, Indira, for your generous comments, much appreciated!
Joanna
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Glad to have you back with such a beautiful post perfect for the festive occasion of Christmas ,Joanna !You have come up with some nice & inspiring quotes here!As ever your audios & videos are so delightful to the ear that you cant help rewinding them a few times !Your description of the great author of engrossing stories highlights his meaningful life & his missions!A Chrismas Carole is an absorbing ghost story of Christmas !I feel so grateful to you for sharing such a timely topic on this Christmas eve! Merry Christmas to you & the entire family,Joanna !Namaste !
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