A Christmas Carol - The Man and His Book

Written by David Fitzgerald


Continued from page 1

Locking up his office on Christmas Eve, Scrooge heads for his rooms, which once belonged to Jacob Marley, his partner, who died seven years ago. Arriving at his door,repparttar doorknocker is suddenly, transformed into his dead partner's face, staring at him. The vision passes, and Scrooge boltsrepparttar 110738 door fromrepparttar 110739 inside. Sitting down in front ofrepparttar 110740 dying embers onrepparttar 110741 hearth, Ebenezer Scrooge is subjected torepparttar 110742 second phenomena,repparttar 110743 ringing of allrepparttar 110744 bells inrepparttar 110745 house. Someone or something is trying to get in touch with his frozen soul. It turns out it is Jacob Marley who has been tying to contact him. Marley's ghost dragging his chains explain his present condition torepparttar 110746 Scrooge; since he himself lived onrepparttar 110747 same basic principle as does Scrooge, explains whatrepparttar 110748 afterlife is like for one who has never done a good deed to his fellow man. There is one way out of this misery for Scrooge says Marley, and that is to mend one's ways and cleanse one's conscience. To amplifyrepparttar 110749 message, his old partner explains to Scrooge that three spirits will visit shortly after midnight. Having delivered his message and his warning, Marley goes away, dragging his chains behind him. Strangely, Scrooge manages to fall asleep, but is awakened whenrepparttar 110750 clock strikes midnight. Soon afterrepparttar 110751 Ghost of Christmas Past, an apparition with a child's face visits him long, white hair, and a full-grown body. It makes Scrooge an offer he can't refuse: to go on a sentimental journey to his own past.

Riding through time and space effortlessly, they arrive in time to seerepparttar 110752 small boy Ebenezer, a lonesome child with books for his only friends. Lost love, lost comradeship, and lost chances for happiness are shown in rapid succession, and thenrepparttar 110753 exhausted Scrooge is dropped off at home, where he dozes off. Next followsrepparttar 110754 Ghost of Christmas Present shows Ebenezerrepparttar 110755 merrymaking of ordinary people. They spy on Bob Cratchit, who makesrepparttar 110756 most of his meager resources inrepparttar 110757 bosom of his little family, carrying his son Tim, who is weak of health, and lightingrepparttar 110758 meager meal with his inner warmth and generosity, demonstrated when he proposes a toast to his mean employer, though not appreciated by his wife. The last ghost, Christmas ofrepparttar 110759 Future, arrives, to show himrepparttar 110760 emptiness of a non-spiritual life. A peek intorepparttar 110761 future shows thieves plundering his belongings. He even gets a glimpse of himself, lying dead, and retreats in horror. The final blow is dealt to his now weakened soul when he learns that Tim Cratchit has died. The vision of himself dead, his own neglected grave, all this prompts Ebenezer to beg for mercy. Waking as from a nightmare, he finds that only one night has pasted and it is now Christmas morning, Scrooge thanks Jacob Marley's ghost for this second chance, and he really changes. He gets a huge turkey forrepparttar 110762 Cratchit family, makes large contributions torepparttar 110763 poor, and turns up at his nephew's a changed man, filled withrepparttar 110764 merry spirit of Christmas.

The spirits of Christmas had served their purpose, and Jacob Marley had done his good deed. Forrepparttar 110765 rest of his life, Ebenezer Scrooge was a good generous man, livingrepparttar 110766 spirit of Christmas.

Chick here for more books by Charles Dickens

_________________________________________________ Copyright © 2004 by David Fitzgerald Publishing Guidelines: You may publish my article in your newsletter, on your website or in your print publication provided you includerepparttar 110767 resource box atrepparttar 110768 end. Notification would be appreciated but is not required.

David Fitzgerald is contributing writer to several sites and newsletters. Visit http://www.delvebookstore.com/for other great books and books on subjects in the areas of your interest. dfitzgerald@delvebookstore.com


Decorate for Christmas

Written by Caroline Shaw


Continued from page 1

Need something forrepparttar kids to do? Take tag paper and cut out a Christmas tree shape that is about 24 inches tall. Put it on a bulletin board, then make two different sized ornament patterns forrepparttar 110737 kids to use and have them trace ornaments on more tag paper. Letrepparttar 110738 kids cutrepparttar 110739 ornaments out. Take crayons and markers and decorate a couple to model how to decorate them forrepparttar 110740 kids. Provide some glue sticks and letrepparttar 110741 kids glue their ornaments on their very own tree.

In your living room or family room, create a warm feel with plaid coverlets thrown across your couches and chairs. If you have a mantel, string some berries into a garland….or use cranberries. Place wooden candlestick holders and white candles. Place ivy aroundrepparttar 110742 base….a very simple but elegant presentation.

After dinner have pie with coffee and tea. Pass out some carols and sing together. If you have a musical instrument, this would be a great time to accompany your guests. You can print some carols ahead of time. Make them into little booklets using old Christmas cards for covers. CHRISTMAS-CAROLS.NET - Rejoice inrepparttar 110743 Christmas Spirit!

Serve some spiced cider: 1 gallon of Apple Cider 10 cinnamon sticks Some whole cloves (about 10) Simmer on top of stove for about 15 minutes and strain into some nice Seasonal mugs…

Enjoy your family and don't forget to take photos. Merry Christmas!



Caroline Shaw, Pittsburgh, PA mom@amomslove.com http://www.amomslove.com Caroline Shaw holds a B.S. degree from Duquesne University. She is a mom to six children,editor and publisher of the Online Magazine,"A Mom's Love." with informative articles for WAHMs, single moms, working moms, and more.


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