A Christmas Carol is a timeless holiday story written by Charles Dickens, first published in 1843. The novella has become one of the most famous works of literature, and its message of redemption, kindness, and the spirit of Christmas continues to resonate with audiences worldwide. Over the years, it has been adapted into numerous films, television specials, stage productions, and even operas, making it an integral part of Christmas traditions.

The story is centered around Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly, cold-hearted old man who despises Christmas and everything associated with it. He is selfish, greedy, and cares little for the well-being of others. On Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his former business partner, Jacob Marley, who has been condemned to wander the earth in chains as punishment for his own greed and selfishness in life. Marley warns Scrooge that unless he changes his ways, he too will suffer a similar fate.

Marley tells Scrooge that he will be visited by three spirits over the course of the night, each of whom will show him a different aspect of his life and its consequences. The first spirit, the Ghost of Christmas Past, takes Scrooge on a journey through his own memories, showing him moments from his youth and early adulthood that shaped him into the person he has become. Scrooge witnesses the loss of love and friendship in his life, particularly his former fiancée, Belle, whom he abandoned in favor of greed.