This topic details potential characters from literature, fable, etc. (Movie versions okay, sometimes). The character(s) I propose first seem appropriate as the holiday season is winding down...
The Christmas Spirits:
These three spirits are used somewhat as plot devices, in my opinion, and are great founts of information. Although they often speak in riddles, the Christmas Spirits have the best interests of others at heart, and even think that the Rotten King and the Big Bad Wolf have SOME scrap of good inside of them... somewhere. However, they are willing to aid people against enemies, if only to teach them a lesson.
The Spirit of Christmas Past appears as a female, anthropomorphic candlestick (complete with dripping wax and flame), with an enormous candle extinguisher attatched to a giant ribbon attatched to her hand (the candle extinguisher moves independently). She is quite kind, and has the ability to see that which has been. She has a kindly voice, and her smile appears to all as the smile of the kindest person they know.
The Spirit of Christmas Present appears as a massive, jolly man with flaming red hair in a green robe and a wreath of holly. He carries in one hand a torch whose light warms the heart, and under his other arm is a horn of plenty, which can fit hundreds (perhaps even thousands) of items in it at the same time. He is the keeper of two nasty children, named "Ignorance" and "Want", and warns people to beware both, but especially Want. His robe is somewhat patched nowadays, and his golden horn of plenty is a bit rusty, but its barely noticable. He speaks in a deep, booming voice, and reminds many of Santa Claus or Father Christmas. He has the power to see that which is.
The Spirit of Christmas Future appears as a gaunt, almost emaciated figure who looks like a cross between the Grim REaper and a Dementor (Dementors, for those of you who haven't red the Harry Potter series, are gaunt figures in tattered robes with slimy, scaberous hands). A single candle rests on his skull, burning an eerie blue flame... the same shade of blue as what's emenating from his nose-hole, eye-sockets, and mouth. He carries a scythe, and is the most menacing of the Christmas Spirits, despite the fact that he's actually a nice guy. He prefers not to speak, preferring to nod or shake his head or shrug to yes-or-no questions, and point if an explanation is required. This is because he's actually quite embarassed at his voice, which sounds like a slightly high-pitched, nasally Beatle who sniffs a lot when he talks. He has the ability to see what could be (I say "could be" because someone can always change a person's future in the present time). Of the Christmas Spirits, he appears to be the most changed, his robes looking quite tattered and his scythe perpetually bloody.
For more information on the Christmas Spirits, read Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol .