Fred - The Christmas Example

“But I am sure I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round—apart from the veneration due to its sacred name and origin, if anything belonging to it can be apart from that—as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow-passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys. And therefore, uncle, though it has never put a scrap of gold or silver in my pocket, I believe that it has done me good, and will do me good; and I say, God bless it!” - Fred to his Uncle Ebenezer, The Christmas Carol

Our Daily News Cycle

Grifting, misogyny, racism, sexual abuse, cruelty, criminality, thirst for power, thirst for money at all costs, worker exploitation, and overall ugly feelings and contention. I don’t care which side of the political spectrum you are on; I’m pretty sure both sides believe the other side is guilty of that entire list. Worse, while the list may differ, we think the same about others outside the political spectrum. What does it say about us as a society when a CEO of a health insurance company is executed on the street, and the collective reaction is hatred of our health system and memes about the cruelty of the company he led? Right or wrong, our level of contention for those we think need to change is too high.

I want to introduce a literary character who may help us lower our hate and increase our love and care for others, which will be much more effective at changing our current hatred.

Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol, published in 1843, is more than a festive tale; it's a profound social commentary on the economic disparities of Victorian England. Through Ebenezer Scrooge's transformation, Dickens critiques the era's neglect of people experiencing poverty and advocates for compassion and social responsibility. The novella reflects Dickens' concerns about exploiting the working class and the moral imperative for societal change.

The story's themes resonate deeply in today's context as we confront similar income inequality and social injustice issues. By examining the characters and their societal roles, we can draw parallels between Dickens' time and our own, exploring how empathy and personal transformation can address systemic challenges.

I’d like you to consider Scrooge’s nephew Fred as our example.

Dickens's Intentions and Social Critique

Initially, Dickens planned to write a political pamphlet titled "An Appeal to the People of England, on behalf of the Poor Man's Child" to address the plight of the poor. He later chose the narrative form of A Christmas Carol to communicate his message more effectively. The novella critiques the economic and political injustices of the era, with Ebenezer Scrooge symbolizing the exploitative upper class indifferent to the struggles of the working poor.

If we think of three characters in the novella as representing areas of society that existed then and now, Fred’s role becomes a little clearer.

Scrooge embodies the entrenched systems of power and wealth that prioritize self-preservation over the well-being of others. His initial attitude mirrors the modern-day income disparity and systemic neglect of those who experience poverty. Scrooge's focus on profit above humanity illustrates how the "old system" often resists change, even as its consequences harm the vulnerable.

When two men approach Scrooge for donations, his cold response—"Are there no workhouses? Are there no prisons?"—reflects the grim reality of poverty relief in the Victorian era. Under the Poor Law Amendment of 1834, England restructured aid, forcing those in need to enter workhouses. These institutions were intentionally harsh, with conditions far worse than the lowest-paying jobs outside. The system was designed to discourage reliance on welfare by making it unbearable. Families were torn apart, malnutrition was rampant, and abuse was common.

Scrooge even jokes about Bob being happy despite his awful wage, which is a great example of his attitude and what he finds jokeworthy since Scrooge decides that wage. These dehumanizing practices were more like punishment than relief, and they deeply influenced Dickens as he wrote A Christmas Carol.

Fred, Scrooge's nephew, represents the possibility of a more compassionate, equitable future. In his care for the vulnerable, he might even be seen by those who oppose his views as the “woke progressive” of today. A fairer future would be his desire. However, his way of working or trying to achieve an improved outcome for all is extremely different than most of what we see today. Despite Scrooge's dismissiveness and cruelty, Fred responds with kindness, refusing to engage in contention. His unwavering positivity and open-heartedness serve as a quiet but powerful contrast to Scrooge's cold and defensive demeanor.

Fred represents progress and hope. He challenges Scrooge’s harsh ideals while quietly supporting those in need, like the Cratchits. What’s striking about Fred is his approach. He doesn’t berate or belittle Scrooge. He doesn’t mock him or take cheap shots to make him look foolish. Instead, Fred chooses love—he consistently shows kindness to his uncle, hoping to help Scrooge feel valued and uplift those in Scrooge’s orbit.

Fred is a key catalyst in the story. Scrooge’s cold response to the men seeking donations is fueled by his earlier conversation with Fred, which stirred something in him—even if it was discomfort at the time. Fred’s influence is a hinge point in Scrooge’s eventual transformation.

“I am sorry, with all my heart, to find you so resolute. We have never had any quarrel, to which I have been a party. But I have made the trial in homage to Christmas, and I’ll keep my Christmas humour to the last. So A Merry Christmas, uncle!”

Bob Cratchit and his family symbolize the working poor, who endure despite systemic oppression and economic disparity. He has a more than full-time job, yet he and his family can barely subsist. They reflect the resilience and humanity of those most affected by inequitable systems. With his vulnerability and hope, Tiny Tim highlights the moral urgency of addressing inequality. The Cratchits' plight echoes modern challenges, where income disparity leaves many families struggling to meet basic needs despite hard work.

Approach Change and Differences With Love and Caring for Others

Reverend Amos C. Brown said, “We can gripe about the way things were. We can refuse to acknowledge all the good going on now. … But these approaches will not heal our national divisions. … As Jesus taught, we don’t eradicate evil with more evil. We love generously and live mercifully, even toward those we think to be our enemies.” (Salt Lake Tribune, Jan 20, 2022)

Silence is always better than contention. Even in a moral disagreement, a kind word is always better than fighting for what you know to be correct. I say that as probably the worst person in the world at following this advice. I tend to need to make my point. I try to do so nicely and not be the person who always needs the last word, but when I feel like something has crossed my moral lines or I see something I feel strongly about, it is close to impossible for me not to talk. That talk can lead to contention, which is never good.

The Savior himself tells us this in 3 Nephi 11:29,

“For verily, verily I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another.”

The Savior also gives us many examples of living this. He was attacked throughout his life maliciously and mercilessly. In Luke 23:9-11 we see that when pushed and questioned and then “vehemently accused,” he “answered them with nothing.”

This does not mean ignoring injustice or failing to take action is the right way to proceed. We should help protect all the vulnerable, the underserved, and those who face injustice. Rather, it emphasizes the importance of leading with compassion and fostering dialogue instead of deepening divisions. Like Fred, we can invite transformation not by force but by demonstrating a better way.

Let’s Look at Fred

Fred tries to address the injustices his uncle is committing. He is able to do so not with hostility but with patience, love, and a focus on shared humanity. Fred's approach is not confrontational; instead, he leads by example, allowing Scrooge to see the light through his own introspection.

Fred’s example is especially relevant in a world of polarization and contention. Many political movements today seek to fight inequality but do so in ways that often deepen divisions. Fred shows an alternative path: engaging with others in a spirit of love, refusing to demonize, and focusing on shared values and mutual understanding.

“Don’t be angry, uncle. Come! Dine with us tomorrow.”

Many people today feel fed up and frustrated by certain policies, laws, and decisions made by those in power. That sense of powerlessness often leads to sarcasm or a dismal kind of humor. Social media is filled with people berating others, trying to make them look foolish through sharp comments or viral "stitches" on platforms like TikTok.

Reading A Christmas Carol raises an important question: would Fred have had the same impact on Scrooge if he had chosen a different approach? Scrooge's interactions with the ghosts aren’t about looking outward to blame others but about introspection. He’s forced to see how his actions affect those around him and how he could do better.

So, we have to ask ourselves: are we acting like Fred? Are we selflessly encouraging reflection and fostering understanding? Or are our tactics widening the divide, leaving little room for change or connection?

When Did You Last Read This Book?

A Christmas Carol is more than a holiday tale—it’s a timeless reflection on humanity, compassion, and the power of personal change. Its themes are as relevant today as they were in Dickens' time, offering profound lessons for a world often divided. If it’s been a while since you’ve read this novella, I encourage you to revisit it. Read it not just as a festive tradition but as a lens to reflect on our choices, relationships, and impact on others. You might be surprised how much it speaks to our modern struggles and aspirations.