December Book of the Month

By Patricia McGuire, LPC-MHSP

12/5/2024

The December Book of the Month is A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. This beloved classic has been adapted for the stage and screen multiple times (with my favorite being The Muppet Christmas Carol) and has remained relevant since it was first published in 1843.

This short novel is a departure from my typical psychology/mental health picks for Book of the Month, but it can show us just as much richness about being human as any mental health book.

I won’t provide a synopsis of A Christmas Carol here (please go read it!) but rather, will focus on a few key themes salient to the story: charity, forgiveness, self-reflection, and interconnectedness.

Charity
Charity could simply be stated as generosity toward those who are in need. Finding tangible ways to serve our community is not only a great way to connect with our neighbors, but it can also increase a sense of wellbeing and happiness.

Here is a link to some local Nashville non-profit and charitable organizations.

Forgiveness
As humans, we make mistakes. We sometimes say things we don’t mean, hurt those we love, and make choices that are unkind. Forgiving ourselves and asking others to forgive us is a key relational skill that allows us to repair conflicts and deepen relationships. Forgiveness is not easy, and is a highly personal experience depending on the situation. In healthy relationships, forgiveness can be a conduit for transformation and healing.

Self-reflection
Taking intentional time to consider and review how we live our lives is an important personal practice. Some helpful questions for self-reflection could be: How do I spend my time? What is important to me? What do I want to be remembered for when I die? Where do I feel joy? What do I find challenging? Self-reflection helps us hone in on what is most meaningful in our lives so we can begin to make changes if needed.

Interconnectedness
Oftentimes, the focus of mental health is on the internal experiences of the individual (i.e. thoughts, feelings, needs, and behaviors). While this focus is incredibly helpful to cultivate change, self-efficacy, and flourishing, it’s also important to take into consideration the environment, relationships, and community that shapes an individual. None of us live life alone - we are formed in relationship, hurt in relationship, and healed in relationship. We rely on each other for emotional strength, help in crisis, and a sense of belonging. It’s important to remember how interconnected we are to each other in everything we do. Individual actions can make a huge impact on the community at large.

This holiday season, I hope you’re able to find some slow, easy moments to reflect on the year and perhaps find a way to give back through charity. And I also highly recommend finding a way enjoy the wonderful holiday classic, A Christmas Carol.

Go deeper: https://www.britannica.com/topic/A-Christmas-Carol-novel

If this resonated with you and you’d like to explore these ideas further, connect with Patricia McGuire here