This beloved holiday story focuses on the miserly character of Ebenezer Scrooge. The spirit of his former partner, Jacob Marley, visits him, warning of grave consequences if he does not change his stingy and selfish ways. Marley's warning does not change Scrooge's habits - he just goes to bed. Later that night, Scrooge is visited by three more spirits to show him the impact of his actions in the past, present, and future: "Without their visits, you cannot hope to shun the path I tread. Expect the first to-morrow night when the bell tolls One. Expect the second on the next night at the same hour. The third, upon the next night, when the last stroke of Twelve has ceased to vibrate." In the end, Scrooge is left with a choice - he can remain as he is, or he can live a better life. Abbreviated and condensed by Dickens himself, this version is faithful to the original text and the perfect length for a family Christmas eve reading.