A few Peso for the carolers this time of year... or ... :)

At this festive season of the year, Mr. Scrooge,' said the gentleman, taking up a pen, 'it is more than usually desirable that we should make some slight provision for the poor and destitute, who suffer greatly at the present time. Many thousands are in want of common necessaries; hundreds of thousands are in want of common comforts, sir.'

'Are there no prisons?' asked Scrooge.

'Plenty of prisons,' said the gentleman, laying down the pen again.

'And the Union workhouses?' demanded Scrooge. 'Are they still in operation?'

'They are. Still,' returned the gentleman, 'I wish I could say they were not.'

'The Treadmill and the Poor Law are in full vigour, then?' said Scrooge.

'Both very busy, sir.'

'Oh! I was afraid, from what you said at first, that something had occurred to stop them in their useful course,' said Scrooge. 'I am very glad to hear it.'

'Under the impression that they scarcely furnish Christian cheer of mind or body to the multitude,' returned the gentleman, 'a few of us are endeavouring to raise a fund to buy the Poor some meat and drink, and means of warmth. 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, 'they had better do it, and decrease the surplus population. Besides—excuse me—I don't know that.'

'But you might know it,' observed the gentleman.

'It's not my business,' Scrooge returned. 'It's enough for a man to understand his own business, and not to interfere with other people's. Mine occupies me constantly. Good afternoon, gentlemen!'

Seeing clearly that it would be useless to pursue their point, the gentlemen withdrew. Scrooge resumed his labours with an improved opinion of himself, and in a more facetious temper than was usual with him.

 

Try explaining that to the carolers. I think I'll just not go outside.

 

I usually pay ‘em every other day. Usually when the hounds are too fagged out from mauling yesterday’s Jehova’s Witnesses or I don’t want blood all over the lawns again. Bah.

 

Just what I would say about you Mr W.

 

The foreigner who doesn't give to the carolers is f*cking cheap Charlie in my opinion. I observe people give in their home country but not in the Philippines, why? I'm far from holy and not Santa Claus but I have a bowl with candy and another with coins, it's a tradition here Christmas time and you make kids happy, with a little applause and candy/coins. My ex-neighbor went out and shouted f*ck off to the kids, one morning he had 4 flat tires (of course not okay in my opinion) be a little smart, candy is cheaper than 4 tires lol and why not have a good relation to your neighbors

 

It's all Ok until it is the same little tribe every night, now that can get just a tad tiresome Every one around here gets well looked after at Christmas but the Push Push can get so very.....................

 

Yeah, a few years back, I use to give pesos to the kids who came by to sing at the gate. But it became constant; day and night. Mostly the same kids, but not always. By the 3rd week of December I decided not to go out to the gate and give pesos. A few days after, some of them (or others) instead of singing, threw rocks towards the house (no damage though). So, the last few years, I just ignore them. No problems now.

 

Depending on the living situation, as for example mine, if I don't wanna donate I just keep the front door closed. Curtains do cover my windows so anybody outside has no idea someone is inside. 9 out of 10 the singing stops within a few seconds and the carolers move on next door or else.