There is something about Christmastime that makes us long for connection. We spend time with family, watch rom-coms, share treats with neighbors, and, heaven forbid we be alone at Christmas!
One year when I was living away from my family, I was invited to a Christmas white elephant party. Each of us was asked to bring two things that we loved — things that made us happy — to share with people at the party.
I brought A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.
Why Charles Dickens?
This was an easy choice for me: Charles Dickens books were easily the biggest material thing that made me happy. What was more difficult was to figure out why. Why did this book stand out above all the others? And how could I share this strange interest with people who may not understand?
Eventually I found out that the reason the book made me so happy was not necessarily because of the life lessons, or the cultural or intellectual development.
It was because it connected me to the people around me.
Connecting Myself to A Christmas Carol
My favorite character in A Christmas Carol is probably Ebenezer Scrooge, because I see so much of myself in him. He avoids people, he’s thrifty, and he has some very real, human feelings.
I could wish that I was more like Tiny Tim or Bob Crachet or good Old Fezziwig. But I think I’m okay with being Scrooge, because it means that every time I read the book, I get to change and grow and find human connection alongside him. I always come away from reading this book wanting to connect with and be better to my fellowman.
Christmastime Connection in other Christmas Stories
Reading through all the elementary kids’ essays about Christmastime, I found the same theme: connection.
Connection to family, friends, God and even strangers ran through these essays like a string of beads on a Christmas tree. And it’s not just our — very wise — kids that are catching onto this Christmas theme. Why do you think all the holiday rom-coms even exist? I mean, come on: it’s connection.
Connection just goes with Christmas, and I think it’s because this need for connection is very Godly. Jesus taught, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”
We long for connection at Christmastime because Christ reminds us to love one another. We then find ways to connect in whatever little simple ways we can. That is why we have gifts, rom-coms, treats and even white elephant parties.
My Connection through White Elephants
I ended up having a lot of fun at that party, and I left feeling much more connected to the people around me because I chose to share. The book — my happy book — ended up connecting me to those around me not just because I read it, but also because I shared it.
A Christmas Carol was, and still is, my connector during the Christmas season. It is one of the things that gets me out of my scrooge-like shell. It helps me spend time reading and sharing my interests with my family. And it teaches me to be more Godly by serving others and connecting with them.
Christmas is a time to strengthen our connections with others. What is your connector?
– by Abbie Call
Feature image caption: Jacob Marley’s ghost visits Ebenezer Scrooge in Charles Dickens’ famous A Christmas Carol. Courtesy BBC News.
Abbie Call – Cannonville/Kirksville, Missouri
Abbie Call is a journalist and editor at The Byway. She graduated in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in editing and publishing from Brigham Young University. Her favorite topics to write about include anything local, Utah’s megadrought, and mental health and meaning in life. In her free time, she enjoys reading, hanging out with family, quilting and hiking.
Find Abbie on Threads @abbieb.call or contact her at [email protected].