It’s interesting that so many songs and poems give us a peek at the lives and practices of previous generations. The old English Christmas song, “Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat; please to put a penny in the old man’s hat” is one such 17th century song. It encourages people to be generous at Christmas time. The song continues, “If you haven’t got a penny, a ha’ penny will do. If you haven’t got a ha’ penny, God bless you!”
A half penny has been a thing of the past for a long time and now, it looks as if the humble penny is going the same way. Old sayings that include the word penny reflect a time when that small coin held more importance: A penny saved is a penny earned, A penny for your thoughts, Find a penny pick it up; all day long, you’ll have good luck.
Anyway, Christmas is coming and the feeling of generosity abounds–or at least, it should abound. And, if you find a penny when you’re out and about, for goodness sake, pick it up!
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