I owe my greatest respect to Mr. Charles Dickens and Mr. Isreal Horovitz.
Dear Friend,
I understand that you see one of my own kin as annoying, a nuisance to the story of Mr. Scrooge. I know you meant no harm, and I am not offended. My Christmas humor remains intact.
But word of your comments has gotten round to this member of my kin, and it worries him so. It does not do well to worry people at this blessed season of the year, and he shan't stop worrying until I promise him I would convince you that he is not annoying whatsoever. The person I speak of is none other than my youngest son, Timothy Cratchit, who sends Merry Christmas.
"Annoyingly sweet" is what you call him. Sweet, indeed, but one can never be too sweet at Christmastime, what with singing carols and giving to the poor. Tim is a creature of such kind nature all year round, even in the most excruciating pain. You best excuse his strange ideas; he doesn't play with other children very often.
As for "God bless us, every one", that is a family tradition. He says it every Christmas at the table, like his father before him. It goes, we think, with the words on the family crest: "To thy own self be true". We must remember that though we are not exactly well off, there are others much less fortunate.
The bell tolls five, and I must close. My husband will be home soon. Thank you for reading this note.
Merry Christmas and God bless,
Emily Cratchit