Nerds That Geek Book Review: ‘A Christmas Carol’

Written by Scott Edwards

As the days get shorter and the nights get longer, most people are out looking for that last second item that will be that perfect gift for the holiday. As Christmas hopefully brings out the best in most people, there are still some that are not about the season for different reasons altogether. One of the many things that could tarnish this holiday for some used to be believers, would be the loss of a loved one during that time.

Ebenezer Scrooge sits and watches his employee Bob Cratchit work on Christmas Eve. Christmas has lost all appeal to Scrooge as his best friend passed away seven years ago to the day. Not allowing anyone to get close to him again after all these years, Scrooge does not let the holiday get in the way of his one goal, making money. With his nephew stopping by the shop and inviting his uncle to dinner, Scrooge gives off his standard ‘Bah Humbug’ answer and goes about his business. Letting his employee out of work a few hours early with pay seems to be the nicest thing he will do for the night.

When arriving home, Scrooge gets comfortable in his normal fashion, but he hears something in the other room that is slightly disturbing. Jacob Marley, his old partner is dragging along the chains he fashioned in life and wants to deliver a warning to his old friend. As a ghost, Marley is willing to spend his last night on earth to try to help Scrooge get past his death and live life again. Marley tells Scrooge that he will receive three visitors this evening, which does little to frighten the old man, but his night and life will soon change.

Scrooge is first visited by a ghost of a little man that is falling apart. The Ghost of Christmas Past is what he calls himself. Scrooge is not worried until the ghost is able to transport him back to his childhood and show Scrooge what made him upset as a youth, as he was more of a loner when he was a child. But when the ghost transports him to his first real job, Scrooge is dumbfounded when seeing his first employer throwing a ball for the townspeople. Everyone was welcome and thankful for the ball and Scrooge's ex employer, Fizziwig had such a kind heart, he would even thank everyone for coming to the event.

Scrooge is beside himself as he is returned home to his flat when the second visitor arrives on this fateful night. The Ghost of Christmas Present; is a large glutton of a man who once surrounded himself with all of the best things, life had to offer. But now his torch can sprinkle good onto whomever he chooses, and always choosing the poor is how he handles business in the afterlife. For the poor need more help than the rich as evidenced by the next voyage Scrooge goes upon, to the home of the Cratchit’s. Seeing how people are barely getting by with next to nothing opens Scrooge’s eyes, but what really tugs at his heart is seeing their son Tiny Tim struggling to survive, while still wearing a smile on his face and carrying a song in his heart. Scrooge is then transported to the home of his nephew, and witnesses that he is the punch line of many of the family’s jokes, but still in their mockery of him, his nephew Jack still raises a toast to his old uncle and wishes him the best.

Scrooge is very shaken up now, seeing that little Tiny Tim will not survive for too much longer and that his family does not have much of a love for him, he sits and waits for the final visitor of the night. He waits and waits as time must be standing still, but still nothing. Finally, the last ghost makes his way into Scrooge’s room, a dark figure, not showing any aspect of his own being other than a boney hand. Not speaking a word, the ghost takes Scrooge to the outskirts of town to a pawn shop where some women are getting money for hangers and old sheets taken from the dead. The Ghost of Christmas’ Yet to Come only points at things and nods his head as Scrooge tries to get information out of him. Yet, there is only one thing that Scrooge wants to know after hearing all of the ramblings around the town and that is who died. The ghost shows Scrooge the headstone of the newly deceased and Scrooge becomes nearly a ghost himself.

Charles Dickens’ novel A Christmas Carol could be viewed as one of the darkest holiday tales of all, or an enlightening tale of rebirth. Following Scrooge on his adventure through time opens up his eyes as he is able to see that what he has done in the past is truly going to affect his future. Being shown that living life is much more worthwhile than harping on what has happened in the past is one of the things that the ghosts try to get through his head. Seeing what all is currently happening along with what will happen if his ways are not changed enlightens the old man. Trying to find a way to change his doomed future, Scrooge puts on a different hat and shows everyone that he is more than just about money and unhappiness, he wants the world to know that he really does care about others.

As life changing events hit us on a daily, weekly, monthly or yearly basis, we should always make sure to look for the opportunities, rather than get stuck in the past. Scrooge is very fortunate to have the ghosts come in and intervene one night and show him what he is missing out on. Keeping our heads up and looking forward is the only way to view the holiday, and sometimes making someone feel better about themselves with a gift, a smile or even just a pleasant word could be just enough to keep someone going through this time of the year. Forgetting that we are all human and need to be treated as such with a common gesture could be one of the biggest things that we let pass by as Dickens has shown. Stay safe and smiling, and as always, Happy Holidays!

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