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A CHRISTMAS CAROL

 

CHARACTERS:

NARRATOR

SCROOGE

BOB CRACHIT

SCROOGE`S NEPHEW

MARLEY`S GHOST

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS YET TO COME

WOMAN

LITTLE GIRL

CHILDREN

NEPHEW´S WIFE

GUEST

MAN 1

MAN 2

BOY 1

BOY 2

 

SCRIPT:

 

NARRATOR: It was Christmas time in London.  There was a man named Ebenezer Scrooge.  He was a hard worker man, but at the same time he was a miserable, greedy, cruel, and stingy person, who didn`t know what generosity meant.  A day before Christmas, Scrooge and his clerk, Bob Crachit, were working in the office.  Scrooge as always, was counting his money, while Bob was counting the minutes to go home to his family.

 

BOB CRACHIT: I am so cold in this office, but Mr. Scrooge doesn`t want to turn on the heater, he says that it`s a waste of money.

 

NARRATOR: Suddenly the front door opened, and Mr. Scrooge`s nephew came inside.

 

SCROOGE`S NEPHEW: Merry Christmas, Uncle!.

 

SCROOGE: Christmas?.  Bah!. Christmas is only a lie.

 

SCROOGE`S NEPHEW: You don`t mean that, uncle.

 

SCROOGE: Of course I mean that.  Christmas is just an excuse not to work. Besides, what reason do you have to be happy?.  You´re so poor!.

 

SCROOGE`S NEPHEW: Come on, uncle!.  And, what reason do you have to be sad?.  You´re so rich!.

 

SCROOGE: Bah!.

 

SCROOGE`S NEPHEW: Don`t get angry, uncle.

 

SCROOGE: Why wouldn`t I?  I live in a crazy world with fools.  Merry Christmas!.  What is Christmas?.  It´s just a time to pay bills with money you don`t have.  Where you see yourself a year older, and not a minute richer.  A time where you buy gifts you can`t afford.

 

SCROOGE`S NEPHEW: But uncle!.

 

SCROOGE:  Go celebrate Christmas your own way, and let me celebrate my way.

 

SCROOGE`S NEPHEW: But uncle, I know that there are some things I didn`t do right, some things that I didn`t take advantage of, and one of those things is Christmas. Christmas is the only day where people seem to get along just fine.  It`s a time of forgiveness, love, and charity.  It`s a time where people open their hearts to one another.   Maybe, uncle, Christmas hasn`t given me a gold or silver coin, but it does good to me, that`s why I say: Blessed be Christmas!.

 

SCROOGE: Wow!  That was a wonderful speech!.  I wonder why you don`t work for the government?.

 

SCROOGE`S NEPHEW: Don`t get angry uncle, and come to our house tomorrow.  My wife and I are preparing a delicious dinner, you will be our special guest.

 

SCROOGE: Thanks, but no!.

 

SCROOGE`S NEPHEW: But… why, uncle?.

 

SCROOGE: Why did you get marry?.

 

SCROOGE`S NEPHEW: Because I fell in love.

 

SCROOGE: Because you fell in love?.   Have a nice day!.

 

SCROOGE´S NEPHEW: But, uncle, you never came to my house before, and you`re using my marriage as an excuse.  That is no fair.

 

SCROOGE: Have a nice day!.

 

SCROOGE´S NEPHEW: I don`t need anything from you. I don`t ask you for something.  Why can`t we be friends?.

 

SCROOGE: Have a nice day!.

 

SCROOGE`S NEPHEW: I am sorry uncle, that you already took a decision, but I insist in celebrating Christmas, so, Merry Christmas, uncle!.

 

SCROOGE: Have a nice day, a Happy New Year, and good-bye.

 

SCROOGE`S NEPHEW: As you wish, uncle.  And… Bob, have a Merry Christmas.

 

BOB CRACHIT: I wish the same to you, good-bye.

 

NARRATOR: Then Mr. Scrooge´s Nephew left the office.

 

SCROOGE: How about that?.  A clerk who earns the minimal salary, with a wife and kids, talking about Merry Christmas, you must be crazy!.

 

BOB CRACHIT: Sir, I have finished copying all the letters and filed the paperwork. I also brought in more firewood and swept out the ashes. And, well, it’s closing time, Mr. Scrooge.

 

SCROOGE: Fine, If your work is finished, you can go now.

 

BOB CRACHIT: Mr. Scrooge, tomorrow is Christmas, a day to spend with family.

 

SCROOGE: You’d like the day off, I suppose?.

 

BOB CRACHIT: Well, yes, Mr. Scrooge, after all, it´s Christmas.

 

SCROOGE: Christmas?.  Bah!  Fine. Take tomorrow off, but be here early the next day.

 

BOB CRACHIT: Yes, sir. Merry Christmas, Mr. Scrooge.

 

SCROOGE: Humbug.

 

NARRATOR: Scrooge opened the door and Crachit went home.  Then Scrooge returned to his desk to finish his accounts.  After a few hours, Scrooge closed his account books and proceeded to close the office.  When he got home he climbed the steps to his bedroom, sat in a chair beside the fire and started to eat his supper.  Suddenly he heard old bells ringing, and a strange and loud noise coming from the outside.

 

SCROOGE: Who`s making that noise!  I must have fallen asleep!.

 

NARRATOR: But the strange noise continued, until he saw a ghost coming through the bedroom door.

 

SCROOGE: I think I am dreaming!.

 

MARLEY´S GHOST: No, this is not a dream!.

 

SCROOGE: I know you!.  You are Marley.  What do you want from me?.

 

MARLEY´S GHOST: I want a lot from you!.  Do you see these chains?.  I am chained to my sins.

 

SCROOGE: What sins?.  You were a hardworker and a good businessman.

 

MARLEY´S GHOST: Businessman?.  I took advantage of people!.  While I was alive, I never learned the value of love and charity.   Now I have to wander the earth, unable to find peace.   Hear me, Scrooge!  I am here tonight to warn you!.  You still have the opportunity to change, and if you don`t, the same fate awaits you.  Listen well, Scrooge, three spirits will visit you.   The first will arrive tomorrow when the clock strikes one.  Expect the second on the next night at the same hour.  The third on the next night at the last stroke of the twelfth hour.

 

NARRATOR: Then the ghost left the room floating through the window.  Scrooge closed the window and went to bed shaking in fear, and fell asleep.  Next day when the clock struck one, Scrooge saw a strange creature beside his bed.

 

SCOORGE: Who are you?.

 

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST: I am the Ghost of Christmas Past.  Get out of bed and come with me.

 

NARRATOR: The ghost took Scrooge through time to a small town which Scrooge started to remember.  He then remembered the houses, the church, the river, the bridge, and the people.

 

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST: They can not see us or hear us.  They are just shadows from the past.

 

SCROOGE: Look, the school is not that empty.  There`s a little boy, alone, forgotten by his friends.  I know him, poor boy.

 

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST: Now, let`s see another Christmas.

 

NARRATOR: Then they arrived to a house.

 

SCROOGE: This house seems familiar.  Oh, this is my house, where I grew up.

 

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST: Yes, it is. And do you recognize that little boy sitting alone reading?.

 

SCROOGE: It`s me, as a child.  But..why am I… why is he alone?.

 

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST: You must know the answer.

 

SCROOGE: Because my parents were working, that is why I was always alone. That is why my Christmas were so sad and lonely.

 

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST: Come, take my hand, we don`t have enough time.

 

SCROOGE: No, I have seen enough, go away!.  Don`t torture me!.

 

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST: Don`t blame me, I told you these were shadows of the things that have been.

 

SCROOGE: Take me back!.

 

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST: We have one more stop, our time is running out.

 

NARRATOR: And they appeared in a garden. Scrooge was now a young man who was sitting in a garden beside a lovely young woman.  The woman was crying.

 

WOMAN: I can’t marry you, Ebenezer. There’s something you love more than me.

 

SCROOGE: Nonsense, I love no other woman.

 

WOMAN: That’s true.  You love money. You love it more than anything.

 

SCROOGE: There`s nothing wrong in loving money.  We got enganged when we were poor, and when we were happy being poor.

 

WOMAN: I hope you are happy with the life you have chosen.

 

NARRATOR: And the woman ran away from the garden. Old Scrooge and the ghost followed her. When she stopped, Scrooge could see that she was a few years older. Children laughed and played at her feet. A little girl threw her arms around the woman and gave her a kiss.

 

LITTLE GIRL: Help me tie my bonnet, Mother.

 

SCROOGE: Are they her children?.

 

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST: Yes, they are, but they could have been yours.

 

NARRATOR: The door opened, and a man entered carrying many gifts.

 

CHILDREN: Father!.

 

NARRATOR: They ran to him and hugged him. The man laughed and gave them the gifts. Then he hugged and kissed his wife.

 

SCROOGE: Stop  it!.  Take me home!.

 

NARRATOR: And Scrooge appeared in his own bedroom.

 

SCROOGE: Thank goodness, it was a dream.

 

NARRATOR: Then the clock struck.

 

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT: No, Ebenezer. It wasn’t a dream.

 

SCROOGE: I suppose you are the Ghost of Christmas Present.

 

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT: Yes, I am.  I am the Ghost of Christmas Present.  I have much to show you. Grab onto my robe.  Hurry!. We cannot be late.

 

NARRATOR: Scrooge touched the hem of the spirit’s robe. The bedroom vanished, and Scrooge found himself on a busy, snowy street.  There were many people shopping for last minute gifts, the stores were still open, people were cooking their best meals, and the bells from the church were striking, everybody was attending church wearing their best clothes.  Everybody was happy

 

SCROOGE: Everybody looks so happy.

 

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT: Yes, they are.  It’s Christmas.  What did you expect?.

 

SCROOGE: Do you mean  that they all are happy just because it´s December 25?.

 

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT: Yes. Today they can forget their problems, and just enjoy being with their families.  They just enjoy the food on their tables, and the many blessings they receive.

 

NARRATOR: Then the Ghost took Scrooge to Bob Crachit´s house.  And standing there at the door, the Ghost proceeded to bless the house.  Then Scrooge saw Bob Crachit playing with his children, three boys and two girls.

 

SCROOGE: Is this where he lives?.

 

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT: Of course, with his salary, this is all he can afford.

 

NARRATOR: Then Mrs. Crachit entered into the dining room carrying a small turkey on a platter.

 

SCROOGE: They look so poor!.  Their clothes are so old.

 

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT: Love is what you can feel here.

 

NARRATOR: Bob Crachit lifted the youngest boy from a chair in the corner and carried him to the table. The boy was pale and thin and carried a crutch.

 

SCROOGE: What’s wrong with him?. Why doesn’t he walk?.

 

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT: He’s very sick.  His name is Tiny Tim, and his parents don’t have money for a doctor, so maybe he will die.

 

SCROOGE: Die?.  But there must be something that can be done.  Please, tell me if he will die.

 

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT: I see an empty chair in the corner, if the future is not changed, he will certainly die.

 

SCROOGE: No!. No!.

 

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT: What do you care, anyway?.  That will diminish the world population.

 

NARRATOR: At that moment Scrooge realized that those were his own words, and felt sorry for himself.  Then he heard his name.

 

BOB CRACHIT: Mr. Scrooge!.  Thanks to Mr. Scrooge we are having this dinner.

 

MRS. CRACHIT: I wish I could see him to thank him personally.

 

BOB CRACHIT: Dear… children… It`s Christmas!.

 

MRS. CRACHIT: I know darling.  I hope he has a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!.

 

BOB CRACHIT: Let`s have a toast for our Christmas and for Mr. Scrooge.  Merry Christmas, and God Bless us all.

 

NARRATOR: Meanwile, it was getting late. The Ghost took Scrooge through different places so he could see how people celebrated Christmas.  People who nevertheless were poor, as Scrooge used to say,  they were happy and enjoyed being together with their families and friends.  Suddenly, without a warning they stood in a room.

 

SCROOGE: I know that voice.  It`s my nephew.  He`s having a party.

 

SCROOGE´S NEPHEW: Ha, ha, ha, ha.. he said that Christmas was only a lie.

 

NEPHEW`S WIFE: He should be ashamed.

 

SCROOGE`S NEPHEW: He`s very funny, but not a pleasant person.

 

NEPHEW`S WIFE: Yo told me that he is very rich.

 

SCROOGE`S NEPHEW: So what, darling?.  His wealth is useless.  He doesn`t do anything with his money.

 

GUEST: He didn`t come to eat with us tonight, because he`s busy counting his money. Ha, ha, ha, ha.

 

SCROOGE`S NEPHEW: He preferred to be angry at us than to have fun with us.

 

SCROOGE: They don´t like me.

 

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT: No, unless the future changes.

 

SCROOGE: How can I change the future?.

 

NARRATOR: The room disappeared and they continued their journey.  They visited many countries, they traveled to faraway lands.  They visited the sick people who felt happy, poor people who felt rich, shelters where people felt hope.  It was a long night.  And everything happened in just one night.  Then, the Ghost of Christmas Present was gone.

 

SCROOGE: Oh, I am in my own bed again.

 

NARRATOR: As he sat up, another ghost floated into the room. He was dressed in black, and a dark hood hid his face.

 

SCROOGE: Who are you?. First came the Ghost of Christmas Past, then the Ghost of Christmas Present.  You must be the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. Are you here to show me the future and how it can change?.

 

NARRATOR: The Ghost said nothing, he just gestured toward the door. Scrooge followed him to the street in front of his office. Three men stood out front, talking and shaking their heads.

 

SCROOGE: I know them.  I do business with them. We’re friends. These men like me, even if my own nephew does not. But.. what are they saying about me?.

 

MAN 1: Poor old Scrooge.

 

MAN 2: I know, I feel sorry for him.

 

MAN 1: They told me he`s very sick.

 

MAN 2: Who´s taking care of him?.

 

MAN 1: No one.  You know that he always liked to be alone.

 

MAN 2: He doesn`t have friends, either.

 

NARRATOR: The Ghost started walking and Scrooge followed him down the street.  Then they arrived to a tiny house.

 

SCROOGE: We have been here before.  This is Crachit`s house.

 

NARRATOR: The Ghost took Scrooge into the bedroom.  There was Mr. Bob Crachit sitting beside his son`s bed.  He was very sick.

 

SCROOGE: Why is he crying?.  The last time I was here they were so happy.

 

NARRATOR: Sleeping in bed was the little kid, but he was thinner and very pale.  Mrs. Crachit came into the bedroom.

 

MRS. CRACHIT: Darling, what are we going to do?. Did you ask Mr. Scrooge for help?.

 

BOB CRACHIT: Yes, but he can`t help us.  But his nephew will help us.

 

MRS. CRACHIT: I hope it`s not too late.  What will we do without our son?.

 

SCROOGE: Why?.  Tell me what´s wrong with the little boy?.  Is he going to die?. What can I do to help him?.  Please, talk to me!.

 

NARRATOR: The Ghost did not answer.  Then everything turned dark, and Scrooge appeared in a foggy and cold place.

 

SCROOGE: Where are we?.  This is a cemetery.  Why did you bring me here?.

 

NARRATOR: The Ghost showed Scrooge a grave.

 

SCROOGE: Before I get near that grave, tell me, is that the image of what it will be?.  Or just the image of what can be?.

 

NARRATOR: The Ghost did not answer.  Then, Scrooge went to see the grave. Engraved on the headstone was the name:  Ebenezer Scrooge.  Then Scrooge fell to his knees.

 

SCROOGE: No!.  No!.  Ghost, listen to me. I have changed!. Why do you show me all this if I have lost all hope.  Please, tell me that I can change everything that you have shown me.  I will honor Christmas in my heart.  I will live in the past, in the present, and in the future.  I will not forget the lessons that all of the ghosts have taught me.  Oh, please tell me that I can erase my name from that grave.

 

NARRATOR: In his anguish he took the Ghost`s hand, but the ghost rejected him, and scrooge woke up in his bed.

 

SCROOGE: Oh, thank you!.  I’ve been given another chance. I don`t know what day is today, or how long I have been with the Ghosts.  I feel like a child, but I don`t care.  I want to be a child again!.

 

NARRATOR:  Then he heard the church bells striking.  Then he saw a boy in the street and shouted.

 

SCROOGE: Oh, wonderful!.  Hey, you!. You over there!.  What day is today?.

 

BOY 1: It’s Christmas, sir. Christmas morning.

 

SCROOGE: Good!.  I haven’t missed it.

 

NARRATOR: Then he pulled out a bag of money. He tossed a handful of coins to the boy

 

SCROOGE: There’s a big, juicy turkey in the butcher shop window at the end of the street. Buy it and deliver it to Bob Crachit’s house.

 

BOY 1: But, sir, this is a lot of money.

 

SCROOGE: Keep the change.  Hurry up, the Crachits are hungry.

 

BOY 1: Yes, sir!.

 

SCROOGE: Oh!. Little boy!.

 

BOY 1: Yes, sir?.

 

SCROOGE: Have a merry Christmas!.

 

BOY 1: Thank you, sir.  And merry Christmas to you, too.

 

NARRATOR: Scrooge dressed in his finest clothes and headed toward his nephew’s house.   He was feeling really happy and excited.  He waved everybody in the street and treated everybody nicely.

 

SCROOGE: Here, kid take this money and buy some Christmas candy.

 

BOY 2: Thank you, sir.

 

SCROOGE: Merry Christmas.

 

NARRATOR: When Scrooge reached his nephew’s house, his nephew was surprised to see him.

 

SCROOGE`S NEPHEW: Uncle, I am happy to see you!.  I am really glad that you change your mind about Christmas dinner.  Come and celebrate the holiday with us.

 

SCROOGE: Yes, thank you for accepting me.

 

NARRATOR: His nephew´s wife set an extra place at the table.

 

NEPHEW´S WIFE: We’re happy to have you here.  You’ve arrived just in time for the turkey.

 

NARRATOR: After dinner Scrooge said a few words.

 

SCROOGE: Thank you.  I’ve never eaten a more delicious meal. But, I have to go now, I have some other things to do and people to visit.

 

NARRATOR: And Scrooge headed to Bob Crachit’s house. Mrs. Crachit opened the door, and she couldn´t believe her eyes when she saw Mr. Scrooge standing in front of her.

 

MRS. CRACHIT: Oh, Mr. Scrooge!  What a surprise!.   I want to thank you for the wonderful turkey.

 

SCROOGE: It was a pleasure for me.

 

BOB CRACHIT: Mr. Scoorge, please come in.

 

SCROOGE: Crachit, you’ve worked long hours without complaining for many years. I am raising your salary, and I will also help you support your family.

 

BOB CRACHIT: Oh thank you, Mr. Scrooge.  You are so generous.

 

SCROOGE: Merry Christmas!.

 

NARRATOR: Scrooge did more than what he said he would do.  He took care of Tiny Tim, as a second father would do.  Some people laughed to see how he changed, but he didn`t care.  Scrooge never saw the Ghosts again, but he had many friends and was always close to his family.  Each time he had a meal with his friends and family, he would say.

 

SCROOGE: God bless us.  God bless  us, everyone!.

 

THE END

 

Author:   Charles Dickens

 

Adapted by: K I D S I N C O

 

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