Chapter 13 (A Christmas Carol)
Comprehension
A. Answer the following questions with reference to the context.
1. 'I am as light as a feather, I am as happy as an angel, I am as merry as a schoolboy. I am as giddy as a drunken man.'
a. Who is the speaker? Whom is he talking to?
Ans: The speaker is Ebenezer Scrooge. He is talking to himself, expressing his newfound joy out loud.
b. What is the emotion expressed through the phrase 'I am as light as a feather'?
Ans: The phrase expresses a feeling of being unburdened, carefree, and relieved from the heavy weight of his past greed and misery.
c. Why do you think the speaker is happy?
Ans: The speaker is happy because he has been given a second chance to change his life. After the terrifying visions shown by the spirits, he is overjoyed to find that he is still alive and it is Christmas Day, giving him the opportunity to become a better person.
d. Identify a figure of speech used by the speaker.
Ans: The speaker uses a Simile. For example, "as light as a feather" or "as happy as an angel."
2. 'His own heart laughed: and that was quite enough for him.'
a. Whose heart is being referred to here?
Ans: Ebenezer Scrooge's heart is being referred to here.
b. What did it laugh at?
Ans: It laughed at the idea that some people might laugh at the drastic change in his personality, from a miser to a generous man.
c. '...and that was quite enough for him'—Briefly explain the significance of this line.
Ans: This line is significant because it shows Scrooge's complete transformation. He no longer cares about the opinions of others. His own inner happiness and the joy he feels in his heart are all the validation he needs. He is now living for his own newfound values, not for the approval of society.
B. Answer the following questions briefly.
1. What kind of a picture do we get of Scrooge from the opening paragraph of the story?
Ans: We get a picture of a "penny-pinching, miserly, cold-hearted creditor" who is stingy, greedy, and dislikes any form of joy or celebration, like Christmas.
2. What does the Ghost of Christmas Past show Scrooge?
Ans: The Ghost of Christmas Past shows Scrooge scenes from his own lonely childhood and his happier youth before greed took over his heart.
3. What does the Ghost of Christmas Present show Scrooge?
Ans: The Ghost of Christmas Present shows Scrooge the simple but profound joy of the current Christmas at his nephew Fred's house and the loving, though poor, celebration at the Cratchit household, highlighting the illness of Tiny Tim.
4. What does the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come show Scrooge?
Ans: The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come shows Scrooge grim visions of the future, including the death of Tiny Tim and, most terrifyingly, his own unloved and unlamented death.
5. How did Scrooge make amends?
Ans: Scrooge made amends by becoming a completely changed man. He sent a huge prize turkey to the Cratchit family, made a large donation to charity, attended his nephew Fred's Christmas party, and became a second father to Tiny Tim, ensuring he did not die.
C. Answer the following questions in detail.
1. Scrooge asks the three spirits to strive within him. Who could these spirits be? What role did they play in the transformation of Scrooge?
Ans: The three spirits are supernatural beings who guide Scrooge through his past, present, and future. The Ghost of Christmas Past represents memory, showing Scrooge how he changed from an innocent boy into a greedy man. The Ghost of Christmas Present represents charity and empathy, showing him the joy and hardship of others in the present moment. The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come represents the fear of death and the consequences of one's actions. Together, they played the crucial role of forcing Scrooge to confront his own miserable existence and the pain he caused others, which ultimately inspired his profound transformation.
2. Throughout the story we find instances of Scrooge showing his excitement. Identify any two such incidents and describe them briefly in your own words.
Ans: Two incidents clearly show Scrooge's excitement. The first is when he wakes up on Christmas morning. He is so overjoyed that he shouts, "A merry Christmas to everybody! A happy New Year to all the world. Hallo here! Whoop! Hallo!" He feels as light and happy as an angel, running to the window and rejoicing in the glorious day. The second incident is when he arranges to send the prize turkey to Bob Cratchit. He is so excited that he pays the boy a shilling for fetching the poulterer and promises him half-a-crown if he returns in less than five minutes, showing his newfound eagerness and generosity.
3. Could the story be given the title 'All's well that ends well'? Why/Why not?
Ans: Yes, the title 'All's well that ends well' would be very appropriate for this story. The story begins with a miserable, unhappy character, Ebenezer Scrooge, and a sad situation for the Cratchit family with the ailing Tiny Tim. However, by the end, everything is resolved beautifully. Scrooge finds true happiness and becomes a generous, beloved person. He saves Tiny Tim's life and brings joy to his family and his nephew. The story has a perfectly happy and heartwarming conclusion where all the problems are fixed, so the title 'All's well that ends well' fits perfectly.
Vocabulary
A. Match the following idioms.
1. bury the hatchet -> to forget old enmities and become friends again
2. dot the i's and cross the t's -> pay attention to the smallest details
3. to have a close shave -> to narrowly escape a disaster
4. pot calling the kettle black -> blaming someone else for one's own mistake
5. cut from the same cloth -> two people who are similar to each other
B. Complete the following sentences by selecting the appropriate proverbs from the box.
1. As often happens, a bad workman blames his tools, the carpenter was angry as he could not cut the wood well and said his saw was bad.
2. The man talked endlessly although he knew little about what he was saying. He was a good example that empty vessels make the most noise.
3. Most people keep looking for new jobs because people feel that the grass is greener on the other side of the fence.
4. We realised that when we found that the little boy had understood everything of our conversation.
5. The growth of the large chain of supermarkets from one small store proves that __________________________________.
6. I realised how _____________________ when I went to buy some taps and discoverd they were no longer being produced.
C. Which of the following are proverbs and which are idioms?
1. all Greek and Latin -> Idiom
2. Deeds speak louder than words. -> Proverb
3. between the devil and the deep sea -> Idiom
4. Never bite the hand that feeds you. -> Proverb
5. Keep your chin up. -> Idiom
6. Rome was not built in a day. -> Proverb
7. on pins and needles -> Idiom
8. under the weather -> Idiom
9. Variety is the spice of life. -> Proverb
10. All that glitters is not gold. -> Proverb
Listening
(Note: This is a listening activity. The answers below are based on a common understanding of the characters.)
1. Who was little Tim?
Ans: Little Tim (Tiny Tim) was the young, crippled, and kind-hearted son of Mrs. Cratchit's husband, Bob Cratchit.
2. Mrs Cratchit asks her husband how little Tim had behaved in church. What is her husband's reply?
Ans: Her husband replies that Tim had been as good as gold, and even better.
3. Why did Tim wish that the churchgoers had noticed he was lame? What does this show about his nature?
Ans: Tim hoped people in the church saw he was lame because he wanted to remind them of Jesus, who made lame beggars walk. This shows that he has a very kind, thoughtful, and deeply religious nature, thinking of others even in his own difficulty.
Pronunciation
Look at the name Scrooge. The 's' at the end is silent. Find and circle the silent letter in each of these words.
1. comforter -> comforter (Note: The 't' is often silent in casual speech)
2. cratchit -> Cratchit
3. knocker -> knocker
4. blithe -> blithe
5. wrinkle -> wrinkle
6. dinner -> dinner
Language
Complete the following sentences using the correct word from the options provided in brackets.
1. The news reporters said they had come to ask the minister some questions. (ask/to ask)
2. Many tourists prefer cycling as it is the best way to see a country. (to see/see)
3. The teacher made us look closely at the dissected frog. (look/to look)
4. Half way through the film I remembered I had forgotten to turn off the kitchen tap. (turn off/to turn)
5. Although she was still in a state of shock, the police made her tell what she had seen. (tell/to tell)
6. I would rather spend the night at the airport than sleep in a dirty hotel. (sleep/to sleep)
Punctuation
A. Rewrite the following sentences using a semicolon.
1. She had broken the vase; her mother scolded her.
2. They went to Jaipur; they missed school.
3. Gita is a good speaker; she speaks very clearly.
4. Drink your milk; otherwise it will get cold.
5. The sun is out; let us go on a picnic.
B. Insert a semicolon in each of the following sentences correctly.
1. My mother is an excellent cook; my aunts seek her help whenever they have guests.
2. I don't understand algebra; I am likely to fail in Maths.
3. Tomorrow is a holiday; we need not wake up early.
4. It is raining! I will bring my umbrella with me.
5. Hopefully it will stop raining; otherwise the crops will be spoilt.
Writing
If you were given the opportunity of doing a few noble deeds on a festive occasion, what would they be?
On a festive occasion like Diwali, if I were given the opportunity to do some noble deeds, I would focus on sharing the joy of the festival with those who are less fortunate. First, I would use my pocket money to buy boxes of sweets and small gifts and distribute them to the children living in the nearby slum area, so they too can feel the sweetness of the festival. Second, I would organize a small gathering in my neighborhood to spend time with the elderly who live alone, lighting a few diyas with them and listening to their stories to make them feel less lonely. Finally, I would also make sure to leave out bowls of water and some food for the stray animals, as the noise of crackers often scares them and makes it difficult for them to find food.
Additional Questions
A. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. Who was Ebenezer Scrooge's former partner?
✓ Jacob Marley
☐ Bob Cratchit
☐ Fred
2. How many years had Scrooge's partner been dead?
☐ One year
✓ Seven years
☐ Ten years
3. Who invites Scrooge to a Christmas dinner?
☐ Bob Cratchit
☐ The charity worker
✓ His jolly nephew, Fred
4. The Ghost of Christmas Past shows Scrooge scenes from his...
✓ lonely childhood.
☐ recent business deals.
☐ future grave.
5. Who is Bob Cratchit?
☐ Scrooge's nephew
✓ Scrooge's overworked employee
☐ Scrooge's only friend
6. Who is Tiny Tim?
☐ Scrooge's younger self
✓ The crippled and good-hearted son of Bob Cratchit
☐ A poor boy on the street
7. What does the Ghost of Christmas Present show Scrooge at Fred's party?
☐ Sadness and despair
✓ Joy and celebration
☐ A discussion about business
8. What does the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come show Scrooge that horrifies him the most?
☐ The Cratchit family mourning Tiny Tim
✓ His own unloved death and people's indifference to it
☐ The failure of his business
9. What is the first thing Scrooge does on Christmas morning after his transformation?
☐ Goes to church
☐ Visits his nephew
✓ Arranges to send a prize turkey to the Cratchits
10. Who does Scrooge become a 'second father' to?
☐ His nephew Fred
✓ Tiny Tim
☐ The poulterer's boy
11. What did Jacob Marley's ghost warn Scrooge about?
✓ That he would be visited by three spirits
☐ That his business would fail
☐ That Bob Cratchit would quit
12. What two allegorical children does the Ghost of Christmas Present show Scrooge?
☐ Love and Joy
✓ Ignorance and Want
☐ Past and Future
13. How does Scrooge feel when he wakes up and realizes the spirits did it all in one night?
☐ Confused and tired
✓ Overjoyed and relieved
☐ Sad and regretful
14. What does Scrooge offer the boy on the street to fetch the poulterer?
✓ A shilling, and half-a-crown if he's quick
☐ A prize turkey
☐ A job at his office
15. The story is a critique of...
☐ The celebration of Christmas
✓ Greed and the lack of compassion in society
☐ Ghost stories
16. At the end of the story, Scrooge's relationship with Bob Cratchit changes how?
☐ He fires him
✓ He raises his salary and supports his family
☐ He makes him a partner
17. What is Tiny Tim's famous line?
☐ "Merry Christmas!"
✓ "God bless us, every one!"
☐ "Bah! Humbug!"
18. What was Scrooge's main focus in life before his transformation?
☐ His family
✓ Making money
☐ His health
19. The word 'miserly' means...
☐ Happy and cheerful
✓ Hating to spend money; stingy
☐ Lonely and sad
20. The transformation of Scrooge can be best described as a...
☐ Small change of mind
✓ Complete redemption
☐ Temporary phase
B. Fill in the Blanks
1. Scrooge was a penny-pinching, miserly, cold-hearted _______________.
Ans: creditor
2. At night the ghost of Scrooge's former partner _______________ visits him.
Ans: Jacob Marley
3. The Ghost shows Scrooge scenes from his lonely _______________.
Ans: childhood
4. Scrooge shows _______________ towards Tiny Tim, the crippled and good-hearted young son.
Ans: sympathy
5. Scrooge begs for _______________ and vows to change his ways.
Ans: mercy
6. Scrooge wakes up in his bedroom and learns that the whole adventure had taken place in just one _______________.
Ans: night
7. 'I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future!' Scrooge repeated, as he _______________ out of bed.
Ans: scrambled
8. 'What's today!' cried Scrooge, calling downward to a boy in _______________ clothes.
Ans: Sunday
9. 'I am in _______________! Go and buy it, and tell 'em to bring it here,' said Scrooge.
Ans: earnest
10. Scrooge became a _______________ father to Tiny Tim, who does not die.
Ans: second
C. Short Answer Type Questions (1 Mark)
1. What was Scrooge's first name?
Ans: His first name was Ebenezer.
2. Who was Bob Cratchit?
Ans: Bob Cratchit was Scrooge's overworked employee.
3. What did Scrooge's nephew, Fred, invite him to?
Ans: Fred invited him to a Christmas dinner.
4. How many spirits was Scrooge told would visit him?
Ans: He was told three spirits would visit him.
5. What did the Ghost of Christmas Past show Scrooge crying over?
Ans: He showed Scrooge crying over scenes of his lonely childhood.
6. What word describes the Cratchit family's Christmas?
Ans: Joyful (despite being poor).
7. What two figures does the Ghost of Christmas Present show under his robes?
Ans: He shows two ragged children named Ignorance and Want.
8. What is the fate of Tiny Tim in the vision of the future?
Ans: In the vision, Tiny Tim has died.
9. What do people say about the dead man in the vision of the future?
Ans: They say that no one will mourn for him.
10. What does Scrooge say he will honour in his heart?
Ans: He says he will honour Christmas in his heart.
11. What is the weather like when Scrooge wakes up on Christmas morning?
Ans: The weather is glorious, with no fog or mist, a clear sky, and golden sunlight.
12. What day does the boy on the street tell Scrooge it is?
Ans: The boy tells him it is Christmas Day.
13. What did Scrooge send to Bob Cratchit's house?
Ans: He sent the prize turkey from the poulterer's shop.
14. Who did Scrooge send the turkey to in Camden Town?
Ans: He sent it to Bob Cratchit's.
15. What did Scrooge do for the charity worker he had previously insulted?
Ans: He made a sizeable donation to the charity.
16. Where does Scrooge have Christmas dinner?
Ans: He has Christmas dinner at his nephew Fred's house.
17. What does "penny-pinching" mean?
Ans: It means to be extremely unwilling to spend money; stingy.
18. What did Jacob Marley's ghost tell Scrooge he was being punished for?
Ans: He was being punished for his lifetime of greed and unkindness.
19. What does "loitered" mean?
Ans: It means to hang around or wait without a clear purpose.
20. Who wrote 'A Christmas Carol'?
Ans: The story is an adaptation from the novel by Charles Dickens.
D. Medium Answer Type Questions (2-3 Marks)
1. Who was Jacob Marley and what was his warning to Scrooge?
Ans: Jacob Marley was Scrooge's business partner who had been dead for seven years. His ghost visited Scrooge to warn him that he was suffering in the afterlife, forced to wander the earth wearing heavy chains forged from his own greed. His warning was that Scrooge was doomed to the same fate unless he changed his ways, and that he would be visited by three spirits to give him a chance at redemption.
2. Describe Scrooge's initial attitude towards Christmas.
Ans: Scrooge's initial attitude towards Christmas was one of complete contempt and disgust. He rejected his nephew Fred's dinner invitation, complained about having to give his clerk, Bob Cratchit, a paid day off, and rudely dismissed charity workers, believing that the poor should go to prisons or workhouses.
3. What is the significance of the Cratchit family in Scrooge's transformation?
Ans: The Cratchit family is highly significant. Despite their poverty, they are rich in love, unity, and Christmas spirit. Seeing their happy celebration and their kindness, especially the goodness of the crippled Tiny Tim, forces Scrooge to feel sympathy and regret for the first time. The vision of Tiny Tim's future death is a major turning point that melts his cold heart.
4. Why was the vision shown by the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come so terrifying for Scrooge?
Ans: This vision was the most terrifying because it showed him the ultimate consequences of his miserly life. He saw that Tiny Tim would die, and more horrifyingly, he saw his own death. He witnessed people speaking of his death with indifference and relief, his possessions being stolen, and his grave being lonely and neglected. This vision forced him to confront the fact that his life of accumulating wealth had left him utterly alone and unloved.
5. How does Scrooge's behaviour on Christmas morning contrast with his behaviour at the start of the story?
Ans: The contrast is dramatic. At the start, he was grumpy, isolated, and miserable. On Christmas morning, he is filled with giddy joy, laughing and wishing everyone a Merry Christmas. He immediately acts with generosity, buying a huge turkey for the Cratchits and donating to charity, actions that would have been unthinkable for the old Scrooge.
6. What does the phrase "I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future!" mean?
Ans: This phrase is Scrooge's vow to change. It means he will learn from the lessons of all three spirits. He will remember the mistakes of his past, live with empathy and compassion in the present, and act in a way that creates a better future, thus avoiding the grim fate he was shown.
7. Why was sending the prize turkey to the Cratchits such a significant act for Scrooge?
Ans: It was significant because it was his first act of spontaneous, anonymous generosity. He didn't do it for recognition but purely out of a newfound desire to bring happiness to others. The turkey was so large it was a joke, showing the over-the-top joy he felt. It was a direct and impactful way to amend his poor treatment of his clerk, Bob Cratchit.
8. What are "Ignorance and Want," and what do they represent?
Ans: "Ignorance and Want" are two wretched, ragged children that the Ghost of Christmas Present reveals from under his robe. They are allegorical figures representing the major social problems of the time. "Ignorance" represents the lack of education among the poor, and "Want" represents poverty and need. The spirit warns Scrooge to beware of them, especially Ignorance, suggesting these problems lead to society's doom.
9. How does Scrooge's relationship with his nephew Fred change by the end of the story?
Ans: At the beginning, Scrooge rudely dismisses his nephew's invitation and his cheerful Christmas wishes. By the end, after his transformation, Scrooge goes to Fred's house for Christmas dinner, where he is welcomed warmly. This act reconciles him with his only living family and replaces his isolation with love and connection.
10. What does it mean that Scrooge "knew how to keep Christmas well"?
Ans: This means that Scrooge truly understood the spirit of Christmas, which is not just a single day of celebration but a year-round attitude. He learned to be charitable, kind, forgiving, and joyful every day, embodying the true essence of Christmas in his daily life.
11. Why do you think Jacob Marley's ghost wanted to help Scrooge?
Ans: Jacob Marley wanted to help Scrooge because they were old partners, and he likely felt a sense of responsibility or pity for his friend who was heading towards the same terrible fate. By helping Scrooge, Marley was also performing a good deed, which might have been a way to find some peace for his own tormented spirit.
12. Describe the appearance of the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. Why was it so frightening?
Ans: The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come was a silent, imposing phantom, completely covered in a deep black garment that concealed its face and form. It was frightening because it was mysterious and did not speak, only pointing with its ghostly hand. Its silence and the grim future it revealed made it the most dreaded of the spirits.
13. How does Scrooge's happiness on Christmas morning show that he has truly changed?
Ans: His happiness is not based on money or business, but on simple things: the beautiful weather, the sound of church bells, and the chance to interact with people. His desire to give to others—the turkey, the donation—is now the source of his joy, which is the complete opposite of his old self, who found joy only in saving money.
14. The story says Scrooge's own heart laughed. What does this metaphor mean?
Ans: This metaphor means that Scrooge felt a deep, genuine joy from within. It wasn't a forced or fake laugh, but a true expression of his transformed soul. It signifies that his happiness was authentic and came from a place of inner peace and contentment, no longer needing external validation.
15. What is the significance of Tiny Tim's survival at the end of the story?
Ans: Tiny Tim's survival is the ultimate proof of Scrooge's redemption. The vision of Tim's death was a key motivator for Scrooge's change. By becoming a "second father" to Tim and providing the family with the means to care for him, Scrooge actively changes the future he was shown. Tiny Tim living symbolizes the positive and life-saving impact of Scrooge's newfound generosity and compassion.
E. Long Answer Type Questions (5 Marks)
1. 'A Christmas Carol' is a story of redemption. Explain what redemption means and trace Scrooge's journey from a miser to a redeemed man through the visits of the three spirits.
Ans: Redemption means the act of being saved from sin, error, or evil. 'A Christmas Carol' is the ultimate story of redemption, as it follows Ebenezer Scrooge's complete transformation from a wicked miser to a kind and generous man.
His journey begins with the visit from the Ghost of Christmas Past. This spirit forces Scrooge to confront the memories of his lonely childhood and the poor choices in his youth where he chose money over love. This awakens the first stirrings of regret in him.
Next, the Ghost of Christmas Present shows him the joy and love he is missing out on in the present. He sees the happiness in his nephew's home and the love within the poor Cratchit family, despite their hardships. Seeing the goodness of Tiny Tim fills him with an unfamiliar sympathy.
Finally, the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come delivers the final, terrifying blow. It shows him a future where his choices have led to the death of Tiny Tim and his own unloved, unmourned demise. This vision fills him with utter horror and a desperate desire to change his fate.
Upon waking on Christmas morning, he is reborn. His actions—buying the turkey, donating to charity, and joining his family—are the proof of his redemption. He is saved from his old, sinful self and becomes a source of happiness for everyone around him.
2. Analyse the role of memory and foresight (seeing the future) in Scrooge's transformation. Which do you think had a greater impact on him and why?
Ans: Both memory (the Past) and foresight (the Future) play crucial roles in Scrooge's transformation, but they impact him in different ways. Memory, shown by the Ghost of Christmas Past, works by awakening Scrooge's long-buried emotions. By showing him his lonely childhood and his lost love, the spirit reminds him that he was not always a bitter miser; he once had the capacity for love and happiness. This creates a sense of regret and sadness, softening his hard exterior.
Foresight, shown by the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, works through fear. It shows him the logical and terrifying conclusion of his current life: a lonely death mourned by no one. While memory makes him sad for what he has lost, foresight makes him terrified of what he will become.
In my opinion, foresight had the greater impact. While the sadness from his past was a necessary first step, it was the stark, undeniable horror of his own pathetic end that truly broke his resistance and made him beg for a chance to change. The fear of a meaningless death was a more powerful motivator for him than the regret over a loveless life.
3. The story is set during Christmas. How does the author use the "Christmas spirit" as a contrast to Scrooge's initial character and as a symbol for his final transformation?
Ans: The author, Charles Dickens, uses the "Christmas spirit" as a central theme to highlight Scrooge's character arc. At the beginning of the story, Scrooge is the complete opposite of the Christmas spirit. While everyone around him is filled with joy, charity, forgiveness, and family love, Scrooge is filled with bitterness ("Bah! Humbug!"), greed, and contempt for the poor. His dark, cold office is a stark contrast to the warmth and cheer in his nephew's home and the Cratchit's household.
The three spirits essentially take him on a journey to understand this very spirit he rejects. They show him that Christmas is about connection, not commerce. His final transformation is symbolized by his complete and joyful embrace of this spirit. On Christmas morning, he is not just happy; he embodies Christmas. His generosity (the turkey), his charity (the donation), and his love for family (visiting Fred) are all expressions of the true Christmas spirit. He learns to "keep Christmas well" by carrying its values of kindness and compassion with him all year round.
4. Discuss the social commentary in 'A Christmas Carol'. What was Charles Dickens trying to say about the society of his time?
Ans: 'A Christmas Carol' is not just a ghost story; it is a powerful piece of social commentary on 19th-century Victorian England. Through Scrooge's character, Dickens criticizes the greed and selfishness of the wealthy upper classes, who often saw the poor not as people to be helped but as a burden on society. Scrooge's initial belief that the poor should go to "prisons and workhouses" reflects a common, callous attitude of the time.
The Ghost of Christmas Present's reveal of the two children, Ignorance and Want, is a direct criticism. Dickens is warning society that ignoring the poverty ("Want") and lack of education ("Ignorance") of the masses will lead to its "doom." The loving but impoverished Cratchit family, struggling with the illness of Tiny Tim, is used to humanize the plight of the poor and evoke sympathy from the reader. Through Scrooge's transformation, Dickens is making a powerful plea for social responsibility, urging the rich to use their wealth to alleviate the suffering of the poor.
5. Imagine you are Bob Cratchit. Write a short letter to your friend describing the unbelievable events of that Christmas Day.
Ans:
My Dearest Friend,
You will simply not believe what has happened this Christmas Day! It has been the most extraordinary day of our lives. We were preparing our small goose for dinner when a boy arrived at our door with the most enormous turkey I have ever seen! It was a prize turkey, and he said it was sent by an anonymous person.
We had the most wonderful feast, a meal fit for a king. But the true miracle happened later. Mr. Scrooge himself—yes, Ebenezer Scrooge!—appeared at my nephew Fred's party, where he was cheerful and full of laughter. And this morning at the office, he was not the fierce man I knew. He raised my salary and promised to help my family, especially our dear Tiny Tim.
It is as if he has become a different person overnight. A man who once said "Bah! Humbug!" is now filled with the spirit of Christmas. I cannot explain it, but it feels like a true Christmas miracle. For the first time in a long time, I feel hopeful for our future. It seems Mr. Scrooge has learned how to keep Christmas well, and for that, God bless him!
Your friend,
Bob Cratchit