A Christmas Carol: The Grump Who Learned to Smile

In the busy streets of London, where the fog swirled like soup and the gas lamps flickered, lived a man named Ebenezer Scrooge.

Scrooge was a very grumpy man. He didn't like singing, he didn't like smiling, and he certainly didn't like Christmas. If anyone wished him a "Merry Christmas," he would frown, adjust his spectacles, and shout, "Bah! Humbug!"

He sat in his counting house, counting his coins, while everyone else was busy buying turkeys and wrapping presents. "Waste of time," Scrooge grumbled. "Christmas is just a day for spending money."

The Three Midnight Visitors

On Christmas Eve, Scrooge went home to his cold, dark house. He put on his nightcap, blew out the candle, and fell asleep. But this was no ordinary night.

While he slept, three magical spirits came to visit him.

The first was the Ghost of Christmas Past. She shone like a bright candle and took Scrooge by the hand. She flew him back in time to when he was a little boy. Scrooge saw himself laughing at a Christmas party, dancing and having fun. "I remember that," Scrooge whispered, a small smile appearing on his face. "I used to be happy."

Next came the Ghost of Christmas Present. He was a giant, jolly man in a green robe who sat on a mountain of food. He took Scrooge to the house of Bob Cratchit, a man who worked for Scrooge. Bob’s family didn't have much money, and their Christmas dinner was very small, but they were laughing, hugging, and sharing what they had. "They are so happy," Scrooge thought, "even though I don't pay Bob very much."

Finally, the Ghost of Christmas Future arrived. This spirit didn't speak. He simply showed Scrooge a future where the old miser was gone, and nobody missed him. Nobody was sad. It was a lonely sight.

"I don't want to be that man!" cried Scrooge. "I want to be kind! I want to have friends! Please, let me change!"

The Morning Joy

Scrooge squeezed his eyes shut… and when he opened them, he was back in his own bed. The sun was shining through the curtains. The bells were ringing.

He jumped out of bed and ran to the window. "Boy!" he called to a lad on the street. "What day is it?"

"Why, it’s Christmas Day, sir!" the boy shouted back.

"I haven't missed it!" Scrooge cheered. He did a little dance in his nightshirt. "I haven't missed it!"

The New Scrooge

Scrooge dressed faster than he ever had before. He rushed to the market and bought the biggest, prize-winning turkey in the window—it was as big as the boy! He sent it straight to Bob Cratchit’s house as a surprise.

Then, he walked through the streets. But this time, he didn't frown. He smiled at everyone he passed. "Merry Christmas!" he shouted to the baker. "Merry Christmas!" he waved to the tailor.

He went to his nephew’s house for dinner, laughed until his sides hurt, and sang carols louder than anyone else.

From that day on, Ebenezer Scrooge was the kindest, jolliest man in all of London. He learned that the best thing about having money wasn't counting it—it was sharing it. And it was always said of him, that he knew how to keep Christmas well.