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 remember when the candle shop burned down. Everyone stood around singing 'Happy Birthday.'
What is this demilitarized zone? Whatever it is, I like it! Gets you on your toes better than a strong cup of cappuccino.
I shouldn't be saying this, high treason really, but I sometimes wonder if Americans aren't fooled by our accent into detecting a brilliance that may not really be there.
Drag has always been the thing you turn to to remember to not take yourself too seriously.
According to most studies, people's number one fear is public speaking. Number two is death. Death is number two. Does that sound right? This means to the average person, if you go to a funeral, you're better off in the casket than doing the eulogy.
I think I wear my hypocrisy on my sleeve. I would never say I'm not a complete hypocrite.
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