The Christmas Spirit

I’ve been so busy in the last few weeks I left it to the very last minute to dream up a seasonal story for you. I thought about cheating and showing you pictures of outfits from Christmases past, and that of course got me thinking of Charles Dickens’ story of A Christmas Carol (1843).

Ebenezer Scrooge, a nasty, mean old man, is visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve: the Ghost of Christmas Past, the Ghost of Christmas Present, and the Ghost of Christmas Yet-to-Come. They all show him various visions and give him some nasty shocks, which prompt him to change his ways.

The Ghost of Christmas Past is an androgynous figure of indeterminate age, robed in white. On his head is a blazing light, reminiscent of a candle flame, and the spirit also carries a metal cap, made to look like a candlesnuffer.

Whatever you are doing this Christmas Eve … take a moment to lift a cup of cheer (a wine, an eggnog, or a spirit) …

I delved into my archives to find a picture of me wearing a Moroccan jalabiya, bought in the seaside town of Essaouira when I was travelling there many years ago – it was perfect for this story! The fabric is a beautiful cream satin crepe, with a narrow brown and cream striped trim along the edges of the seams. (Incidentally, the backdrop is a medieval palace in Sintra, so there is plenty of reminiscing of travels past to be had here.)

For those of us who celebrate Christmas, it is, if not a religious observance, a time to spend with family or other loved ones. Some we cannot be with on the day, and some are forever lost to us, so there are remembrances as well. Whatever you are doing this Christmas Eve, whether rushing around or relaxing, take a moment to lift a cup of cheer (a wine, an eggnog, or a spirit) to them.

Here’s to a wonderful Christmas Eve!

Photo: May 2012