First published 2016
Ebenezer Scrooge sits alone in his counting house on Christmas Eve, dismissing his nephew's invitation and refusing charity collectors. Three spirits will visit this miserly old man, showing him Christmas past, present, and future until he transforms into a generous soul who embraces Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim with newfound love. Alongside Scrooge's journey runs Dickens' retelling of Christ's life, written originally for his own children. The two stories appear together in twenty-four daily readings designed for families during December. Each day brings a passage from either A Christmas Carol or The Life of Our Lord, followed by discussion questions and activities. Parents and children can follow Scrooge's redemption while learning about Jesus's teachings, parables, and sacrifice. This format transforms both stories into an advent experience that builds toward Christmas Day. The book includes background material, biographical notes about Dickens, and footnotes to help readers understand the Victorian world and biblical context.
Genres: classic-literature, christian-fiction, christmas, 19th-century
Vibes: atmospheric, emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, redemption
Setting: Counting House, Victorian England
Period: Christmas Eve, Victorian Era
280 pages · Paperback · P.D. Workman