A Christmas Carol

Holman's adaptation of A Christmas Carol retains all the spirit and hope of the original family holiday classic.

The spirit of Christmas is all around, with good cheer and carollers singing in the streets.  Amidst all this festivity however, is the miserable cold-hearted Ebenezer Scrooge, who lives alone with his money, avoids contact with the public and has no interest in helping to support the poor.  To Scrooge, Christmas is just another working day.  On Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his former partner, the good natured Marley, who warns Scrooge that his hard ways will haunt him but adds that he still has the opportunity to reverse his fate.  Scrooge is subsequently visited by a series of ghosts who take him on a journey of self-discovery. 

Firstly, the ghost of Christmas Past guides Scrooge through painful childhood memories and pinpoints the time when he lost his ideals.  Then the ghost of Christmas Present gives Scrooge an insight into the festivities going on in the homes of his community while he sits at home alone and miserable.  Even families who lack the basics that money can buy still enjoy Christmas through good cheer and the love of family.  The third spirit shows Scrooge the reaction of the community if he were to die, the lack of concern people will show at his passing.  Thinking he has in fact died, Scrooge wakes to find himself alive and resolves to change and take advantage of the second chance he has been given.  He discovers the spirit of generosity, takes up his nephew’s invitation to Christmas dinner, and experiences the most wonderful day of his life.

Recommended Audience: For Family Audiences

Themes

• Family Relationships
• Poverty
• Classic Literature

Study Guide Materials