The Christmas season has a way of stirring up a mix of excitement and exhaustion. As the lights twinkle, mince pies appear, and invitations pile up, it’s easy to get carried along on autopilot. In this little reflection, we meet three characters from Dickens as they would be seen in 2025. They’re here to offer us some gentle humour and a nudge, helping the season feel a bit lighter and more enjoyable. They can be our shared Christmas ghosts.
Meet our Panto Cast
As the season unfolds, three familiar faces from Dickens’ festive pages stroll quietly alongside us, each carrying a little lesson in human nature and a touch of our own December habits. Think of them less as remote characters from a past story, and more as a mirror that reflects traits that we may recognise in ourselves.
Scrooge – the Keeper of Quiet Self-Loathing
He lurks in the corner of your mind, muttering about obligations, deadlines, and another mince pie you probably shouldn’t eat. All this extra stuff at this time of year just gets in the way of everything. Modern Scrooges often withdraw emotionally to protect themselves, believing solitude shields them from being overwhelmed, when really they’re burnt out and being controlled by self-criticism.
Message to Mr Scrooge
We know you’d rather batten down ’til New Year, yet you’re to grimace it through. That counts for something, by being almost present. You do not need to fake festive cheer; you just need one tiny glimmer of connection to stop you slipping face down into that bowl of humbugs.
So, here’s your chance to experience the warmth of Christmas cheer. Let the ice crack, be warm to someone you know. A quick message, a shared joke, a nod in the street. Nothing grand, nothing controlling, just human, warm and empathic.
It will warm the heart more than expected, reminding you that you don’t have to weather December entirely alone.
Bob Cratchit – the Love-Bomber
Generous to a fault, Cratchits provide for everyone else first, at the expense of their own energy and needs. Modern Cratchits say yes to every invitation, decorate tirelessly, and pour out love in ways that leave them quietly drained. Their energy is only fuelled by the drive to please but often walk away with hurt in their heart.
Message to Bob Cratchit
We love you, Cratchit, but your heart works best when it’s not running on empty. Let’s take a moment to listen to your inner self. One simple “no” that will preserve your inner fire without dimming your warmth.
So, close the door for a minute, pour yourself a hot drink, stretch your arms wide, or just let your shoulders drop for a breath. That moment is enough to recharge and take stock, so the next smile, hug, or festive cheer lands where it really matters, leaving you energised.
Fezziwig – The Here-Today, Gone-Tomorrow Spark
He sparkles at every party, lights up every room, and makes everyone else feel like the season has magic written in their names. They can have the most magnetic personality and even be the one to emulate. Yet underneath the shimmer, Fezziwig’s energy is without foundation and no follow-through, no lasting warmth. It can be intoxicating and without inhibition. Modern Fezziwigs pour themselves into moments of joy, dazzling others, but risk losing themselves in the performance. It is a performance that craves the centre of attention and then fades away once they’ve achieved their goal.
Message to Fezziwig
Step into the moment and notice yourself there. Feel the music, the laughter, the clinking glasses, but don’t become the party. Lean back slightly, sense your own energy, and acknowledge that it is a shared moment, not yours to own but one to share. One brilliant instant is enough, and that allows Fezziwig to come back another day.
This mindful stepping-back lets you fully enjoy the sparkle without scattering your energy or leaving yourself empty. You participate, you shine, but you also remain grounded. Unlike Cratchit’s lasting warmth, your bursts are fleeting, and mindful awareness ensures they remain joyful rather than exhausting.
Each of these archetypes carries a little wisdom that we can all learn from. They remind us that December is full of familiar patterns and traditions, yet also offers opportunities to notice, choose, and reshape them, without losing the magic sparkle or sense of humour.
6 Facets that glitter at Christmas
At Christmas, all six facets of wellbeing turn up quite naturally just by taking part with the seasonal cheer. Connection shows up in social events and all the shared moments. Activity bubbles through cooking, wrapping, and the traditional after Christmas dinner walk. Appreciation is there in the sparkle, the scents, the music and generally feeling good. Learning slips in through new recipes, trying out a new game or gadget received as a present. Giving back appears in fund raising, sharing, warmth, and kindness. Nutrition is woven through everything from festive meals to the simple act of sharing food. Through being mindful of the 6 facets we can see the temptation to overindulge in each one
Your Season, Your Story, Savour Every Moment
This Christmas season, let the Scrooges, Cratchits and Fezziwigs remind you that being your authentic self is enough. For many, this time comes at the end of a challenging year, and being yourself opens the space to notice and meet others where they are. There is no need to hide, perform, keep pace, or please everyone. Some days call for quiet presence, some for generosity, some for sparkling joy, and all of it matters. Giving yourself permission to pause, to say “no,” or simply to be is an act of self-compassion.
May your Christmas season let your true self shine, with the six facets lighting the way:
- connection in conversations
- activity in little movements
- appreciation in sparkle and scent
- learning in new traditions
- giving back in small gestures,
- nutrition in every shared bite.
Your season, your story, savour every moment.
