I don’t make merry myself at Christmas and I can’t afford to make idle people merry.
 Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol (1843). copy citation

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Author Charles Dickens
Source A Christmas Carol
Topic Christmas merry
Date 1843
Language English
Reference
Note
Weblink https://www.gutenberg.org/files/46/46-h/46-h.htm

Context

“We choose this time, because it is a time, of all others, when Want is keenly felt, and Abundance rejoices. What shall I put you down for?” “Nothing!” Scrooge replied. “You wish to be anonymous?” “I wish to be left alone,” said Scrooge. “Since you ask me what I wish, gentlemen, that is my answer. I don’t make merry myself at Christmas and I can’t afford to make idle people merry. I help to support the establishments I have mentioned—they cost enough; and those who are badly off must go there.” “Many can’t go there; and many would rather die.” “If they would rather die,” said Scrooge,” source