The Chummley Christmas message 2006

The Chummley Christmas message 2006

Why was Ebenezer Scrooge so unhappy?

If you knew only the man's assets and had never read Dickens's "A Christmas Carol," probably you could not guess the answer. Most of us believe (if we are honest enough to admit it) that happiness comes through getting. If only I can get a new (pick one) house, car, job, promotion, or relationship, I will be happy. But Ebenezer Scrooge was unhappy not because of a failure to get but to give, and this, I submit, is the most important message of Christmas.

As I write these words, I think about the scooter Juby received at age four, and I wonder if he will enjoy riding his bmx bike this year (age 11) as much as he did pushing that scooter.

Similarly, I think of our Sabby opening her Christmas presents last year and initial disappointment at receiving books and then her joy at finding the voucher for clothes! (Teenagers what are they like). She later read every book cover to cover. Book (and family games) was very much part of my Christmas in Worthing and I have tried with varying success to share this with the children and Juniper every year.

I wonder if Sabby will receive as much pleasure reading the story to her kids as I did when my parents read it to me.

But I don't need to illustrate the principle further; you have your own memories.

By midlife all of us should know that our best joys come through giving. And yet we forget; don't we? Maybe it's all those adverts on TV and the media that convince us we really can't be satisfied unless we buy the new and improved version of some product (translation: happiness comes through getting).

Christmas is a good time of year to remind ourselves of the truth. The most important message of Christmas is that of joyous giving.

It's the message of our seasonal classics like "A Christmas Carol" and "It's A Wonderful Life.” And, more importantly, it's the message of that first Christmas.

For the baby in Bethlehem's manger was a gift, a present from a loving heavenly father to his lost and hurting children, a gift the Bible says brought "good tidings of great joy" to giver and receiver alike.

Finally, the message of joyous giving is the most important message of my Christmas message. Where will we find happiness in the second half of life? The same place we found it in the first half. Look around you. What are your opportunities to give with joy? These are your best chances at midlife happiness.

Best wishes from the Chummleys - Pip, Juniper, Sabby and Juby

May this Christmas bring and allow you to give the gift of peace.

Pip