Jesus and Santa were both anti-capitalism at the root of their stories, and yet have (been) turned into capitalist icons since long before the twenty first century. It’s much the way that Jesus became pro-monarchy during the middle ages: The elites pay to get their propaganda published.

It’s much the way the Lorax sells Subarus now: The house always wins.

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Scrooge and The Grinch are redemption arcs, where they start anti-Christmas but get it by the end of their arc, and it’s less really about Christmas (which is more, a brand) and about kindness, compassion and generosity.

Curiously, Dickens cure for corporate greed was spiritual awakening, but it’s something we do not see IRL. Every billionaire is ruthless, putting more into marketing their charitable works than the charity, themselves. Even Andrew Carnagie and Bill Gates and Warren Buffet believe their own hype, that rich people are smarter and better able to manage their benefit to society than the community.

It’s noted on You’re Wrong About (though I don’t remember the specific podcast) that in the rise of the transnational white power movement and Christian nationalism in the US (and realizing that fighting with our racist uncle on Christmas doesn’t move the needle much) that high-speed redemption really is magical (id est not really possible). Scrooge can’t have his soul scoured in a night, but it might get him into an AA meeting or other twelve-step on the first Wednesday in January. He might go ahead and give to the charity guys a nominal starter sum before setting up a donation schedule. When it comes to our collective uncle, he’s got to come to terms with how his beliefs serve him and what fears they appear to protect him from. Once that happens, it’s easier to Take off the uniform and leave the show.

Isn’t Santa post scarcity?

Grinch here, checking in.