Nose for News by Sarah Stultz

Every year around this time I like to think of the story behind “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens. 

The story is well known and has been turned into plays and movies, though it first came out as a novel in London in the 1840s. It tells the story of a grouchy, old, wealthy man named Ebenezer Scrooge, who transforms into a kinder, gentler man who is willing to share his wealth with others. The change comes about after he is visited by his former business partner Jacob Marley and three spirits, the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come.

By the end of the story, Scrooge’s heart has softened, and he is a new man.

I’ve always liked this story, as it makes me reflect on my life. Do I have the heart of Scrooge at the beginning of the story, or do I have the heart of Scrooge at the end of the story?

To me, this story is not only about Christmas and having the Christmas spirit as much as it is about having a giving heart in general — year-round. When I say a giving heart, I don’t mean being a person who financially gives to others, although those donations are much appreciated by the organizations who receive them. I mean being a person who exemplifies kind deeds and words all the time — night and day, whether they have had a good day or a bad day, or whether they are tired or well-rested.

I see many examples of people with good hearts around the community — there are people who will open a door for you as you walk into a store; people who offer a kind word when you pass them; people who give of their time and talents with nothing expected in return.

What about our attitudes? Do we have a negative attitude like Scrooge at the beginning of the story or a positive attitude like he had at the end?

Sometimes simply having a positive attitude with an encouraging outlook can make all the difference.

In a world of so much negativity and heartache, it is my hope that we can share in the positivity year-round. Let’s keep the giving going throughout the year — not just at Christmastime. You’ll feel better, and those around you will feel better, too.

I wish you a merry Christmas from my family to yours.

Sarah Stultz is the managing editor of the Tribune. Her column appears every Tuesday.