One of my favorite cartoons by Charles Addams appeared in the December 23, 1950, issue of the New Yorker. The Addams family has gathered round a cold hearth, where stockings are hung without care on the cobwebbed mantlepiece beneath a cracked mirror, and Gomez shares his mischievously edited version of a beloved and ghoulish holiday classic, saying, "Then good old Scrooge, bless his heart, turned to Bob Cratchit and snarled, 'Let me hear another sound from you and you'll keep Christmas by losing your situation.'"

This is not the first year that I've found myself sympathizing a little more than is probably good for me with Ebenezer. I do understand the generous spirit of that final, redemptive chapter in the Dickens tale, but I also get the gnarly, anxious businessman in Scrooge--the short-tempered SOB who confronts holiday well-wishers with a snarl.

Hey, it's a down economy, the weather has been disruptive and who knows what the future will bring? And the fuel prices? Put down that lump of coal, Cratchit! If you're lucky, it'll be in your stocking on Christmas Day.

So this week I went looking for redemptive holiday messages among booksellers, my comrades in arms for many years and people who truly understand how to balance on that highwire stretched between holiday business and holiday cheer because they must walk it without a net each December.

I've collected a bagful of good wishes, including a few that nestled snugly in the bookstore e-mail newsletters that have been stacking up like digital gifts in my Shelf Awareness inbox.

Cornerstone Books, Salem, Mass., acknowledges that this has been "a challenging year for all of us, and so we want to wish all of you a very peaceful holiday with your friends and families. As we look forward to 2010, we do so with the optimism, joy and renewal that each New Year brings."

From Tom Campbell at the Regulator Bookshop, Durham, N.C.: "Thanks once more for being part of the Regulator community. Thanks for another great year. Thanks for supporting local independent businesses. Thank you in more ways than we can name. And 'God bless us every one!' Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year."

Susan Weis and Jenn Northington of breathe books, Baltimore, Md., "wish you all the warmest, sweetest holiday and we thank you so much for including thoughtfully chosen presents from breathe books in your bounty! This year it means more to us than ever. A deep, deep bow and namaste to you all."

"I hope this finds all of you out there in bookland happy and healthy and enjoying the season with a hearty Ho Ho Ho," writes Wendy Hudson of Nantucket Bookworks, Nantucket, Mass., on behalf of her "Merry Bookworkers."

Among the blogging booksellers, Hans Weyandt of Micawber's bookstore, St. Paul, Minn., notes that although this can be a frantic season for people, "we get to see some of the best that this season and its spirit can bring. Shoppers are calm and enjoy their time browsing and frequently help one another and give suggestions. The books are whirling in and out of hands. It is fantastic fun. 2009 has been a challenging year for small businesses, retail in general and the world of books. Yet we've made it thanks to the support we get from loyal customers who've decided to put their money into stores they believe in. For that, and much more, we send our best to all of you."

Greenlight Bookstore, Brooklyn, N.Y., is celebrating its first holiday season and co-owner Jessica Stockton Bagnulo's message to patrons is: "Here's wishing you and yours the holidays you most wish for--whether it's partying or relaxing, being sociable or spending time on your own, feasting or cleansing, traveling or staying home. And of course, happy holiday reading!"

In celebration of the season, Rediscovered Bookshop, Boise, Idaho, exclaims: "We are truly spoiled by amazing customers. One of our oh-so-awesome customers made us a present! She hand knit us a pillow with our logo on it. Isn't that adorable? Chaucer is thoroughly enjoying it. We really do love how amazing our customers are, and we all hope you guys have a great holiday season. Thanks for making my job the best job ever!"

Now I feel better. Here's to indie booksellers--and everyone in the book trade--who continue to sustain a Bob Cratchit spirit and focused, Scroogey business plan in the face of ghostly, ghastly visitations year after year.

Bless us, every one.--Published in Shelf Awareness, issue #1082.