Actually, 'A Christmas Carol' was adapted from a novel by Charles Dickens. The novel has the same name, 'A Christmas Carol', and was first published in December of 1843 (so l-o-n-g ago). Many people, including myself, didn't know! Opps...see...that's what happens when you never read more story books when you were young!
The story is about Ebenezer Scrooge (above..look so sad...inverted 'U' mouth-shape), an old, miserly money-lender, who was grouchy all the time. He was never happy, and despises everything that embodies the joy and spirit of Christmas. To him, money was the most important thing. On Christmas eve, his under-paid employee Bob Cratchit has to beg him for a day off on Christmas to spend with his family. And when people came to ask for donations to help the poor and dying, he told them "then they have to die!" and that can help to cope with the increasing population! (HOW COLD-HEARTED??!!!)
On that night of Christmas eve, Ebenezer was visited by the spirit of his former business partner Jacob Marley (who died on Christmas eve 7 years ago) . Jacob told Ebenezer that he was forced to carry heavy chains in his after life, due to his greedy ways. Following that visitation, Ebenezer was visited by three ghosts: the Ghost of Christmas Past, the Ghost of Christmas Present, and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come.
The Ghost of Christmas Past brought him to settings of his past - his lonely childhood, moments when he fell in love with a woman named Belle. However, Belle let him eventually as he grew obsessed with accumulating wealth. Ebenezer found himself tearing as he witness these past events of his life.
The Ghost of Christmas Present brought Ebenezer to his poor but faithful employee, Bob Cratchit's home, where he discovered that Bob's young son Tiny Tim was about to die due to malnutrition, as Ebenezer doesn't pays Bob very well despite his years of service. The family has to eat goose instead of turkey, as they were too poor to afford (so saddening). The Ghost of Christmas Present left Ebenezer by warning him about the evils of Ignorance and Wants.
The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come showed Ebenezer the final consequences of his greed. Tiny Tim died on Christmas day, leaving the family mourning for the death of their son. The spirit then brought Ebenezer to a tombstone which has 'Ebenezer Scrooge' carved on it. He realized he will die on he same day as well. But Ebenezer was grieved by the fact that people find much comfort in his death (as he was such an evil person). Unwilling to allow this grim future befall him, he begs the spirit for a 2nd chance to live.
On the morning of Christmas day, Ebenezer woke come to find himself still alive and able to laugh! He then sets out to do what was necessary to prevent the horrible consequences from happening. He brought a huge turkey and got a horse carriage to sent it to the Cratchit's house. He went to the streets, greeting every one he saw a "Merry Christmas", and stopped by to carol with a street choir. He also decided to make donations to the poor. Finally, he raised Bob's salary.
The movie ended with Tiny Tim sitting on Ebenezer's shoulder...so heart-warming! =) He spends the remainder of his life a new man embodying the spirit of Christmas itself.
Some thoughts after watching the movie.....
Perhaps, if we are able to review our past, present and future, like watching a movie before our eyes, like Ebenezer, we will choose to live our life differently? Do we require such drastic play-back to wake us up? =)
Only a life lived for other is worth living. Until we learn to love, to give and share, we will never truly be happy. It doesn't matter how much wealth we have accumulated in the bank; it's how many people have benefited from our wealth that really matters. At the end of our lives, people will either remember you for the evil that you inflicted upon them, or the good that you've done for them.
Money can indeed solve many of live's problems; but money cannot buy intimacy, friendships, health, and a good reputation. Money definitely cannot buy us a joyful heart.
Ebenezer was able to live happy, only after he learnt to share his wealth, and put the needs of others more important than money.
Although this is a fictional, fantasy movie, but it reflects values that we must not neglect. May we always find great joy in giving to sharing...and let it begin this Christmas! Learn to treasure and love the people in our lives, and never exchange them for anything else in this world.
=)
