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An Editorial Opinion of The Greenville Advocate

Charles Dickens created an infamous character he called Ebenezer Scrooge, for his well-known holiday classic “A Christmas Carol.” An elderly miser who rejected all forms of holiday cheer, Scrooge learned the importance of kindness and caring for others through a series of experiences which reminded him how it felt to love and be loved.

The name Scrooge has become synonymous with someone unable or unwilling to take part in the sense of love, generosity and hope which accompanies the holiday season. The world remembers Scrooge for his hatred of all things jolly, but his tale of reformation teaches a valuable lesson, one we would do well to learn.

In our busy modern lives, many interests and events vie for our time. Families rush around to school, church, family or sporting events, running here and there to all the many activities on the calendar. It can be challenging to stop and enjoy the festive atmosphere celebrations are meant to inspire.

Tri-county communities are well into their holiday celebrations. In Butler County, residents have already enjoyed Christmas parades and holiday performances, collected toys for local children, and posed for pictures with Santa Claus. The Grinch made an appearance at several of the events, but he added to the holiday cheer, showing celebrants how to embrace joy in his own mischievous way.

Lowndesboro opened the holiday season collecting toys for local tots and sampling homemade soups at the Lowndesboro Methodist Church’s annual toy drive and soup cook off. Participating chefs earned accolades for their delectable creations, and their smiles were all the brighter because of the children for whom they helped to provide a merry Christmas.

Crenshaw County communities have also launched holiday celebrations, visiting with Santa at the Luverne Public Library and shivering along U.S. Highway 331 with cold hands and warm hearts, cheered by watching friends and family featured in Christmas parades.

In each county, churches are hosting Christmas plays and cantatas. School children are singing “Away in a Manger” and “Here Comes Santa Claus,” all ready to see what appears under their tree on Christmas morning.

It’s enough to warm even the coldest heart. Covering holiday events has The Greenville Advocate staff celebrating too, full of the holiday spirit and inspired by the generosity of our communities.

Events are still happening, right up through Christmas Eve. We hope you and your family have an opportunity to pause long enough to enjoy all the love and joy these celebrations bring.