How do we inspire ‘Hope’ for ourselves and others during this Covid Christmas season? This post uses Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’ as a model for thinking differently about your own circumstances in this challenging year.

I love classic Christmas movies. One of my all time favorites is ‘A Christmas Carol’.  This story speaks to me because the four ghosts (Jacob Marley and Christmas Past, Present and Future) mirror my own philosophy.

The premise of the story is as follows:

With mindful reflection, we can

Understand the past,

Clarify the present, and

Move toward our valued future.

Dickens wrote ‘A Christmas Carol’ in England in the mid-1800s, a time of distinct “Haves and Have nots”, and much uncertainty about the future.   He uses the four ghosts or spirits of Christmas to illustrate that we all have an opportunity to examine where we are in life, our values and priorities, and change course when needed.  This is especially important in times of crisis or challenge, such as this year of Covid-19.

Let’s look at ‘A Christmas Carol’ and ‘Covid Christmas 2020’

The first Spirit to visit Scrooge is the Ghost of Jacob Marley, who warns Scrooge of what his fate could be if he continues on his current path of greed and self-interest.  He informs Scrooge he will meet 3 ghosts – Christmas Past, Present, and Future.

This year, we may all be feeling some discomfort and an undefined sense of fear or anxiety, but may find some reprieve through mindful reflection.  This was symbolized by the Ghost of Jacob Marley, who invited Scrooge to look back at his life, and where it has led him.

Next, The Ghost of Christmas Past takes Scrooge to difficult memories of loneliness and loss from his past, which leads him to become increasingly obsessed with his fortunes and rejection of the spirit of Christmas.

We need to acknowledge that we have all experienced different types of losses and disconnection from others in 2020. While we cannot change the past, it does not have to define us. Neither do our current challenges need to be the whole story for this year. Perhaps there is a way to reframe the past. Challenging times can often lead us to a place of strength, resilience and thriving, guiding us to a different course for the future.

The Ghost of Christmas Present shows Scrooge the common people celebrating Christmas, and attempts to awaken empathy for humanity through the character of Tiny Tim, a child who is suffering from illness and lack of resources.

Like Scrooge, we have the opportunity to reflect upon a similar warning this Christmas of 2020.

In the present moment, we can take the time to mindfully reflect upon our beliefs, values and actions.  For example, what are our values in terms of the health of self and others, the environment, our tendency to spend and acquire excess, and our reliance on technology to keep us from getting bored?

The final visit is from The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come.    The ghost points out different future outcomes, showing Scrooge that examining his values can guide him to a more fulfilling future.  The world is changing, as it has since Dickens’ time.  But the same concept of personal growth applies.

 How do you connect this story with your own life?

"A Christmas Carol" follows the Christmas Eve transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge from a miserly, bitter man to someone who is finally able to open his heart to allow for the presence of love, compassion and generosity.

In this story, Scrooge was able to finally:

Mindfully reflect,

Understand the past,

Clarify the present, and

Move toward a valued future.

As you enjoy your favorite classics in this year of the pandemic, I would ask you to apply this ageless wisdom to help guide you through Christmas 2020.    Regardless of our past, and the fears and struggles that affect us in the present, we can choose to alter our attitude just like Scrooge did.   We can take this opportunity to re-examine our values, which are the source of motivation, self fulfillment, and Hope for the future.

Please enjoy coloring and/or journaling this page. It is available to you at the link below:

https://marthelemirecounselling.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Covid-Xmas-Drawing-2020-scaled.jpg

May you experience Peace this holiday season!