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Hey Dad,

Only 16 days till Christmas, and I still need to get something for my wife, make a couple of wooden swords and sheaths for my two youngest boys, and watch a few Christmas classics on video.

Actually, I've already watched A Christmas Carol in several different versions.

I'm not sure why, but for some reason, I feel drawn to the story of Ebenezer Scrooge. I like the idea of a man who is given the gift of seeing the past, present, and future and changes his lifestyle to avoid what awaits him if he does not.

I'm even thinking about writing and directing my own version (starring either myself or Robin Williams). Ebenezer would be a typical dad who has gotten too busy over the years until he is neglecting the important things of life for things that don't matter squat.

The Ghost of Christmas Past would show him the good old days of being newly married, the birth of their first child, and the joy of buying their first fixer-upper house.

Then, The Ghost of Christmas Present would show him his family sitting around eating dinner or playing a game, wishing that their dad were with them instead of away on a business trip or working late at the office.

With the Ghost of Christmas Yet-to-Come, Scrooge sees himself sitting all alone. His wife, after years of being ignored, has been pushed away and into the arms of another man, his children have moved away and feel little emotion or commitment to their father who had so little time for them.

Scrooge finds out that these are shadows of things that might be if the course he is on is not altered. Now, here's where my version differs from the original. Scrooge awakens, feels bad for a little while and vows to make changes. But it doesn't last, and he continues business as usual.

Maybe it wouldn't be the cheeriest Christmas movie on the market, but it would be a realistic one.

So, I ask you, Dad,—and myself—the following questions: If we were shown where our present lifestyle is leading, would we change? If we knew that our harsh tones and critical attitudes would push our children away from us, would we stop? If we knew that our business travel and long working hours would eventually distance our wife and children from us, would we stop?

Chew on that for a day or so.

We can sponge the writing from the stone … but we may have to make some changes. In fact, I know we will. So, why don't you pick up a copy of A Christmas Carol at your video store, pop some popcorn, watch it as a family, and learn the lesson of our good friend, Mr. Scrooge.

You 'da dad! [Todd]

©© Copyright 2004 Todd Wilson. Used by permission.

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