The Art of Giving
On December 19th, 1843, Charles Dickens became one of the first authors to tackle the difficult subject of the “Art of Giving” when he published one of his best works — A Christmas Carol.
Although often best remembered for its dark depictions of greed, loneliness, illness, and ghostly spirits, I have often wondered what inspired Dickens to offer this enduring gift to the world in the first place.
Historians tell us that he arose from humble beginnings — a working class home in Portsmouth, UK where he was sent to work at a boot-blacking factory at the mere age of 12 when his father was sent to the Debtors Prison — a means of incarceration for people who couldn’t pay off their debts — and were kept imprisoned until they paid off the debt through hard labor — in many cases they never did.
In Dickens world, he witnessed both real suffering and the foolish greed of those who had so much and yet saw no moral reason to share with those less fortunate.
Indeed, it was popularly held at the time that those born into impoverished circumstances deserved their lot in life just as much as the more fortunate deserved to indulge in every conceivable luxury without a thought for others.
In Dickens mind, his compatriots had a lot to learn about giving and respecting their fellow man.
But today we have a greater awareness of the importance of charity and the need for social equality.
How then would Dickens regard our world today with all its scientific, medical, and technological advances?
Would he marvel at these fantastic luxuries?
Or would he grimace at the millions who are still struggling to survive — without access to clean air or safe water to drink — all because governments and industries view the cost of providing these basic necessities too high?
A poignant question to be sure.
And as I think of this, I realize that perhaps the most enduring gift that Dickens seeks to share is that to truly enjoy your life you need to learn to look beyond the social norms of your day and start to really look closely at the people who pass through your life.
They say that those who extend kindness to strangers “entertain angels unawares”.
That being the case, perhaps the greatest gift that you can give this holiday season is to realize that a person is in need of assistance in the moment and open your heart to help without hesitation or expectation — be that by offering them a lift, or inviting them for a meal, or simply helping an elderly person climb a flight of stairs.
In this fast-paced age of technology and excess, it is not always more “stuff” that is needed to fill the void — it is kindness and human connection.
And the greatest surprise that some will receive this season will be the warmth and joy they feel inside themselves when they unselfishly come to the aid of their fellow man.
May Peace, Comfort and Joy be yours this holiday season and carry you forward in the year to come.
Happy Holidays Everyone!
