A Christmas Carol facts for kids
A Christmas Carol is a famous short novel, also called a novella, written by the British author Charles Dickens. It was first released on December 19, 1843, in London. The pictures inside the book were drawn by John Leech. The first edition was a very beautiful and costly book. It sold out completely by Christmas Eve. However, Dickens did not earn as much money as he hoped because it was expensive to produce.
This story was written when people in Britain really wanted to bring back old, joyful Christmas traditions. Many old customs were being revived. New traditions, like the Christmas tree and greeting cards, were also starting to appear. Old Christmas songs, called carols, were being sung again. Many people believe this novella helped bring back the happy and festive spirit of Christmas.
The story is about a man named Ebenezer Scrooge. He is a very mean and greedy person who hates Christmas. On Christmas Eve, four ghosts visit him. These visits completely change him into a kind and generous man. The story teaches important moral lessons about being greedy and about helping people who are poor. A Christmas Carol is often read during Christmas time. It has been made into many theatre plays, movies, radio shows, and television programs.
Contents
Discover the Story: What Happens in A Christmas Carol?
Ebenezer Scrooge is an old, grumpy businessman. He is also a miser, which means he loves money and hates spending it. He especially dislikes Christmas. One Christmas Eve, his nephew invites him to Christmas dinner. Scrooge refuses, saying Christmas is "Humbug!" This means he thinks it's nonsense. He also refuses to give money to two men collecting for charity.
Later that night, Scrooge gets a scary visit. It's the ghost of his old business partner, Jacob Marley. Marley has been dead for seven years. Marley's ghost is suffering because he was so greedy and selfish when he was alive. He warns Scrooge that he must change his ways. If he doesn't, he will suffer the same terrible fate. Marley tells Scrooge that three more ghosts will visit him during the night. These ghosts will show him his past, present, and future. They will help him understand where he went wrong and how to become a better person.
The Ghost of Christmas Past: Scrooge's Younger Years
The first ghost to appear is the Ghost of Christmas Past. This ghost is bright and glowing. It takes Scrooge back in time to his younger days. Scrooge sees his unhappy childhood. He also sees how he lost the chance to marry the woman he loved because he cared more about money. This ghost shows Scrooge how he became the lonely person he is today.
The Ghost of Christmas Present: Seeing Others' Joy
Next, the Ghost of Christmas Present arrives. This ghost is large and cheerful. It shows Scrooge what is happening right now on Christmas Day. Scrooge sees his clerk, Bob Cratchit, and his family. Even though they don't have much money, they are having a happy Christmas. Scrooge also sees Bob's youngest son, Tiny Tim, who is very ill and uses a crutch.
The ghost then shows Scrooge his nephew's Christmas party. Everyone is having a wonderful time. Scrooge realizes he is missing out on all this joy because of his grumpy attitude.
The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come: A Glimpse of the Future
The third and final ghost is the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. This ghost is silent and frightening. It shows Scrooge what the future will be like if he does not change his ways. First, Scrooge sees people celebrating a man's death. They are even stealing things from his house. The ghost also shows him that Tiny Tim has died.
Finally, the ghost shows Scrooge his own grave. Scrooge realizes that the celebrations he saw were for his death. He is terrified and promises to change.
Scrooge's Transformation: A New Beginning
On Christmas morning, Scrooge wakes up a changed man. He is filled with joy and relief. He decides to celebrate Christmas with all his heart. He also wants to help Tiny Tim get better. He immediately sends a huge, prize turkey to Bob Cratchit and his family. Thanks to the ghosts' lessons, Ebenezer Scrooge becomes a kind, generous, and happy man.
The Lasting Impact: A Christmas Carol's Legacy
This famous book helped make the phrase "Merry Christmas" very popular. It also gave us the name "Scrooge" to describe a mean, greedy person. The phrase "Bah! Humbug!" also became well-known. After the book was published, many people were inspired to give more to charity. The most important legacy of A Christmas Carol is that it helped bring back the fun and festive spirit of Christmas. This was especially true after a time when Christmas was seen as a more serious and quiet holiday.
Images for kids
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"Marley's Ghost", an original illustration by John Leech from the 1843 edition.
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Scrooge and Bob Cratchit celebrate Christmas in an illustration from the original edition, 1843.
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Dickens at the blacking warehouse, as imagined by Fred Barnard.
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Washington Irving in 1820.
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Charles Dickens in 1842, the year before A Christmas Carol was published.
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John Leech, the illustrator of the first edition.
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John Elwes, also called John the Miser; one of the people who inspired the character of Scrooge.
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Ignorance and Want from the original edition, 1843.
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Scrooge extinguishing the first spirit.
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A few of the many different editions of A Christmas Carol.
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See also
In Spanish: A Christmas Carol para niños
