Local civic, educational, religious organizations might consider doing live readings at hospitals, homes for the elderly and shelters. This could be as simple as a reading aloud by the bed of someone no longer able to hold a book. The more ambitious could put together performances of selections of Dickens for small audiences. I mention the author of A Christmas Carol just as an obvious example. There certainly is a vast selection of material ready to be spoken and heard.

I wonder if activities reflecting caring will get the same media attention as the Black Friday celebrations of greed? Holiday news coverage now all seems to be under the shadow of Scrooge before the spirits’ visits.