The Legacy of “A Christmas Carol”
Christmas is upon us once again; it’s a time for reflection and gratitude for both our successes and failures, for the lessons they’ve taught us throughout the past year. One of the potent reminders of the need to go into this season and beyond, with open palms and abundant generosity, lies in Charles Dickens’ classic novel A Christmas Carol.
Christmases Past
This beloved tale sees our miserly business owner of a protagonist, walk the path from his current ungenerous ways, to one who openly and readily gives back to society. The catalyst for such a drastic transformation in character, takes the shape of three distinct apparitions who visit our protagonist in turn; the first of these, is the ghost of Christmas Past, who takes our protagonist (Scrooge) back to his youth to show him the circumstances which are in essence, the genesis of his present unhappy state.
If there is one lesson to be taken from this chapter of the tale, it is that we must all, in our own time, reflect on the ways in which we have celebrated Christmases past, to perhaps gain a better understanding of how the ways in which we partake in the seasonal festivities could leave an impact, be it social or environmental.
Christmas at Present
The second of the apparitions to visit Scrooge is the ghost of Christmas Present, who shows him how the season’s festivities are typified by joy and laughter among the good company of friends and family; the apparition then contrasts this with how Scrooge himself marks the occasion, secluded and lonely, far away from anyone else.
This part of the tale reminds us, of what ought to be recalled amid the celebrations; it stands as a crystal-clear testament to what truly lies at the heart of Christmas, the spirit of giving.
Spreading the Spirit of Christmas
We here at Market for Good are more than happy to be the conduit through which the spirit of Christmas is spread as far as possible, to as many people as possible. Each gift supports one or more of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals; the Reindeer Christmas Display for instance, supports responsible consumption and production among other goals, because it is made of recycled or recyclable materials.
Perhaps what you seek this season are more comprehensive gifts; here are the top five among Market for Good’s many Christmas gift sets, so we can spread the Christmas spirit even further together.
1. Art of Spice- Bestsellers Selection
3. Heartgifts Unique Coaster Set (Set of 5)
5. Dark organic chocolate with cupuacu
These gifts too, just as with the Reindeer Christmas Display, contribute to the advancement of at least one of the UN’s Social Development Goals. So, no matter the means, we are prepared to work with you through your gifts of choice, to spread the spirit of Christmas as far as we can throughout the wider community.
Christmas of the Future
The third and final apparition to visit Scrooge is the ghost of Christmas Future, who shows him his grim fate if he were to go on with his miserly ways. Having seen what lies in his future, Scrooge asks for, and is given a second chance which he uses to give his vast wealth to charity and treating his employees with more compassion.
We, like Scrooge, have an opportunity to make Christmas this year and in the years to come, far more meaningful. So, work with us, as we strive toward a brighter, more sustainable future.