Have you ever wondered about the origination of the phrase "Bah! Humbug!" ? I knew it was from Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," but the full exchange in the story is quite interesting:
"A merry Christmas, uncle! God save you!'' cried a cheerful voice. It was the voice of Scrooge's nephew, who came upon him so quickly that this was the first intimation he had of his approach.I love the response of Scrooge's nephew! When I Googled "What is the name of Scrooge's nephew?" I found this: "His name is Fred and, although he's a pauper, he's eager to become friends with his uncle (his mother's brother). He's cheerful and happy and hospitable."
"Bah!'' said Scrooge, "Humbug!''
He had so heated himself with rapid walking in the fog and frost, this nephew of Scrooge's, that he was all in a glow; his face was ruddy and handsome; his eyes sparkled, and his breath smoked again.
"Christmas a humbug, uncle!'' said Scrooge's nephew. "You don't mean that, I am sure.''
"I do,'' said Scrooge. "Merry Christmas! What right have you to be merry? what reason have you to be merry? You're poor enough.''
"Come, then,'' returned the nephew gaily. "What right have you to be dismal? what reason have you to be morose? You're rich enough.''
Scrooge having no better answer ready on the spur of the moment, said, "Bah!'' again; and followed it up with "Humbug.''
Have you had to cut back in your Christmas shopping this year? Are you finding it difficult to get into the Christmas spirit? Take a page from Fred, be cheerful and happy and hospitable in spite of your situation. Give the gift of your time. Be a friend, even that grumpy uncle of yours needs a friend!
Merry Christmas! If you know the Christ of Christmas, you have every right to be merry, you're rich indeed!
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