Rupert's spirit of Christmas
Rupert believes in the spirit of Christmas, which is giving and sharing with the poor. Ironically, when his wife, Nora, tells him to donate $600 to charity, he is reluctant because he sees that as a waste of money. Nora compels him to donate the money to a charity if he wants her to accompany him on the cruise ship vacation. Therefore, Rupert donates unwillingly, yet he claims to share the spirit of Christmas, but he does the opposite.
The irony of neighbors
Rupert’s neighbors are depicted as paradoxical characters because instead of celebrating Christmas and helping the poor, they gang up to protest Rupert’s decision not to hold a Christmas party. Vic Frohmeyer is among the neighbors complaining that Rupert should have thrown up a big party, as usual. According to Vic Frohmeyer, the Christmas lighting will not be complete in the neighborhood if Rupert refuses to organize a party. The irony of these neighbors shows their diverted attention to sharing and helping the poor.
The irony of Nora
Rupert thinks that if he cancels the Christmas party, his wife, Nora, will be irritated. Ironically, when Nora learns they are skipping the Christmas celebration, she is happy and supports her husband because the celebrations are hectic and stressful to prepare and actualize. Instead, she agrees to go on a cruise ship vacation with her husband on condition he donates the $600 they save to charity. Rupert is shocked at how fast his wife supports his abrupt decision.
