Christmas is a poor excuse every 25th of December to pick a man's pockets.
Interpretation
The quote humorously suggests that Christmas is often commercialized rather than being about true generosity or celebration.
Charles Dickens' quote critiques the commercialization of Christmas, implying that the holiday has become an opportunity for greed, overshadowing its original intent of joy and giving. By describing it as a 'poor excuse,' Dickens highlights the irony of a season meant for goodwill being exploited for financial gain.
In practice
You might use this quote during a discussion on holiday spending habits.
I recollected one story there was in the village, how that on a certain night in the year (it might be that very night for anything I knew), all the dead people came out of the ground and sat at the heads of their own graves till morning.
A silent look of affection and regard when all other eyes are turned coldly away-the consciousness that we possess the sympathy and affection of one being when all others have deserted us-is a hold, a stay, a comfort, in the deepest affliction, which no wealth could purchase, or power bestow.
Heaven knows we need never be ashamed of our tears, for they are rain upon the blinding dust of earth, overlying our hard hearts. I was better after I had cried, than before--more sorry, more aware of my own ingratitude, more gentle.
There are not a few among the disciples of charity who require, in their vocation, scarcely less excitement than the votaries of pleasure in theirs.
You might, from your appearance, be the wife of Lucifer,” said Miss Pross, in her breathing. “Nevertheless, you shall not get the better of me. I am an Englishwoman.
And therefore, Uncle, though it has never put a scrap of gold or silver in my pocket, I believe that [Christmas] has done me good, and will do me good; and I say, God bless it!
I must say I find television very educational. The minute somebody turns it on, I go to the library and read a good book. ANOTHER VERSION I find television very educating. Every time somebody turns on the set, I go into the other room and read a book. ANOTHER VERSION I find television very educational. Every time someone turns it on, I go in the other room and read a book.
The nice part about being a pessimist is that you are constantly being either proven right or pleasantly surprised.
My failed corporate career became the fodder for the 'Dilbert' comic. Once it became clear I would not be climbing any higher on the corporate ladder, it freed me to mock managers without worrying that it would stall my career. Most failures create some sort of unplanned freedom. I took full advantage of mine.
I have had a perfectly wonderful evening, but this wasn't it.
Cocaine is God's way of telling you you are making too much money.
Rule Forty-two. All persons more than a mile high to leave the court.
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