Another little Christmas story to warm your heart and make you smile. With thanks (and apologies) to Charles Dickens and Dr. Seuss.
The Club for Characters Saved by Christmas
There is no doubt that Ebenezer Scrooge and The Grinch live. This must be distinctly understood, or nothing wonderful can come from the story I am going to relate. And though it may seem like they live in different times and places, you must remember that time and space are relative, existing everywhere at once; they intersect in the thin spots. Let us eavesdrop in one of these magical spaces. It’s Christmas Eve at The Club for Characters Saved by Christmas; Scrooge, the Grinch, and his dog Max, sit in front of the fire, sharing a cup of Christmas cheer.
“It’s been quite a long time since your ghosts paid their visit;
since then, I must say, your improvement’s exquisite.
You no longer live a mean life all alone–
You’ve got friends and family who pick up the phone
to call you for no particular reason;
and not only during the holiday season.”
“That’s true,” Scrooge said, leaning down to pat Max on the head. My life’s a lot better thanks to my old friend, Jacob, and his pals. I can’t remember how long ago it was, but they’re always close in my thoughts on Christmas Eve.”
“You’ve got your ghosts and I’ve got the Whos,
those wonderful fellows sure lit a fuse
underneath our hardhearted souls
reminding us both for whom the bell tolls.
If it wasn’t for them we’d still be curmudgeons
trapped in the dark of our personal dungeons
instead of enjoying this warm happy place
sitting contented with a smile on our face.”
“You know, my green friend, it occurs to me you’re always dressed perfectly for the season. I thought about having a red suit made for myself, but Santa seems to have cornered that market. Do you think green might suit me too? Not for this Christmas, of course. I’ll wear my blue coat when I go to my nephew’s for dinner tomorrow, but maybe next year, do you think?”
“I think a dark green brocade would be just the thing!
You could wear it when we go out caroling;
As we wander along one street and another
People will think that yo
u are my brother!”
Scrooge smiled a small smile and refilled their glasses. “Now that I think on it, I rather like my blue coat. It matches my eyes. My nephew’s mother-in-law told me so.”
“Whatever you wear we are brothers at heart,
and ever will be till the day we depart
from this world filled with bright Christmas light
because we have learned to celebrate’s a delight.”
“And it’s our purpose to share what we’ve learned with the world… to remind everyone to share a smile, a kind word, a helping hand, not only during Christmas time, but all year through.”
“Happy Christmas to all, filled with laughter and fun…”
“And to quote Tiny Tim, ‘God bless us, everyone!'”
Elise Skidmore ©2008, revised ©2015
