A Christmas Carol

I have read A Christmas Carol every year to my three kids and I'll truly say; this is the best and the most emotional story my family and I enjoy very much. It actually makes you feel like you're in the story

this book is so emotional and I don't remember the number of times I've re-read it... my favorite scene is the last one when Scrooge feels the beauty of happiness and kindness like that's the true holiday spirit

This is more than a tale about a man who is transformed through the intervention of the Spirits. Through the people in the story we get aspects of life represented that are as valid today as they were when Dickens first put down the story. The main character is Scrooge, who is portrayed as a hard cruel man with no human sympathy who is cross beyond belief. However, through Christmas Past we get to see some of how he was shaped. He goes from a child to the cold bitter man that values hard work and cares nothing for others. It would be better if there were more insights into how this occurred but we're led to believe through the change in his company. Through the ghosts he begins to see that he chose the wrong path. We're also given depictions of men who could be esteemed whether they were poor or rich. Bob Cratchett and the love he has for his family despite the small amount that Scrooge pays him him, affects Scrooge, as well as seeing his past. Dickens doesn't let the chance to put digs at institutions that existed at the time. The Workhouses and Prisons are mentioned and you are given the idea that these are horrible institutions that mean death to those embroiled in them. We see digs at those who pretend to be holy, but are in truth behaving in a greedy manner. The 'Men of Business' are not spared the harsh light in the story either. In the end we're reminded that we must live not just for ourselves, or for things, but in gentle relations with the men and women around us. That we should be trying to help those in need. It should be noted that Dickens doesn't condemn trying to do well for ourselves. Merely when we try and gain things without sharing in love and respect with our fellowman that it becomes a problem. This is probably one of my favorite stories of Dickens because of the gentle balance in the events. While we are given the Supernatural, the focus is less on what they are than on the humans they affect.