@LoreTheDarkElf
Oh man. The last time I read A Christmas Carol, I was in 7th grade. Same teacher also decided to find every version of film adeptation she could for the two days before winter break, and arranging an extra classroom for kids who wanted a lit space to read or do catch up work. Great teacher. Good memories.
@donaldwert7137
I've seen multiple versions of this on film, my favorite being the one with George C. Scott. The Cratchit Christmas scene played in my mind as you read this. I wonder how many people are struck by the "who are you to decide who is fit to live or die?" sentiment the spirit expressed. Merry Whatever you celebrate, even if it's nothing at all, to everyone. Stay safe and warm.
@Sara_TheFatCultureCritic
I have often done this reading and it was really lovely hearing someone else read it. The Spirit calling Scrooge on his BS is one of my favourite aspects of the story.
@andreaskye
Steve, you read beautifully. I see the scene as you read it more vividly than any of the existing films.
@miragewizard
A timeless work of art written by a masterful writer, aimed at the human heart! And it's no coincidence that this story remains as apt today as it did in 1843, showing just how little the human heart has changed.
@HunterMaarc
I also read it every year before Christmas, my favorite passage is: “A merry Christmas, uncle! God save you!” cried a cheerful voice. It was the voice of Scrooge’s nephew, who came upon him so quickly that this was the first intimation he had of his approach. “Bah!” said Scrooge, “Humbug!” He had so heated himself with rapid walking in the fog and frost, this nephew of Scrooge’s, that he was all in a glow; his face was ruddy and handsome; his eyes sparkled, and his breath smoked again. “Christmas a humbug, uncle!” said Scrooge’s nephew. “You don’t mean that, I am sure?” “I do,” said Scrooge. “Merry Christmas! What right have you to be merry? What reason have you to be merry? You’re poor enough.” “Come, then,” returned the nephew gaily. “What right have you to be dismal? What reason have you to be morose? You’re rich enough.” Scrooge having no better answer ready on the spur of the moment, said, “Bah!” again; and followed it up with “Humbug.” “Don’t be cross, uncle!” said the nephew. “What else can I be,” returned the uncle, “when I live in such a world of fools as this? Merry Christmas! Out upon merry Christmas! What’s Christmas time to you but a time for paying bills without money; a time for finding yourself a year older, but not an hour richer; a time for balancing your books and having every item in ’em through a round dozen of months presented dead against you? If I could work my will,” said Scrooge indignantly, “every idiot who goes about with ‘Merry Christmas’ on his lips, should be boiled with his own pudding, and buried with a stake of holly through his heart. He should!” “Uncle!” pleaded the nephew. “Nephew!” returned the uncle sternly, “keep Christmas in your own way, and let me keep it in mine.” “Keep it!” repeated Scrooge’s nephew. “But you don’t keep it.” “Let me leave it alone, then,” said Scrooge. “Much good may it do you! Much good it has ever done you!” “There are many things from which I might have derived good, by which I have not profited, I dare say,” returned the nephew. “Christmas among the rest. But I am sure I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round—apart from the veneration due to its sacred name and origin, if anything belonging to it can be apart from that—as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow-passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys. And therefore, uncle, though it has never put a scrap of gold or silver in my pocket, I believe that it has done me good, and will do me good; and I say, God bless it!”
@ClaraDarko
Happy holidays, Steve ☺️ And, in honor of Dickens and his wonderful story (and even though I'm an atheist): "God bless us, everyone!".
@Flythecoop886
May this holiday season bring warmth and happiness to you and your loved ones, whatever and however you choose to celebrate.
@lauradasilva15
Thank you, Steve for selecting that chapter for your reading. Got a bit teary eyed.
@CapriUni
It wasn't until I reread the book more closely a few years back, that I realized Timothy Cratchit wasn't the youngest child -- merely the smallest. He was probably between the "Two young Cratchits" and Peter (I think the movies all cut down on extra characters). As a kid who grew up as a crutch-user, Tim enjoying being stared at always rubbed me the wrong way. But I do appreciate how Dickens at least wrote his parents waiting until he was out of the room before talking about him in the third person. He had an excellent way with writing fully fleshed out characters with just a line or two.
@reedcockrell8126
I'm bingeing Dickens, today: George C. Scott, the Muppets, and "The Man Who Invented Christmas ". This is the best part of the binge!
@calebleland8390
I didn't expect to watch a video of yours and end up in tears. I read this or listen to the audiobook every year, and it never fails to hit me every single time. Merry Christmas, Steve.
@madbradfreeman
The 11th Doctor's version of this will forever be my favorite. Good job grabbing the silver away from Patrick Stewart, who is now #3. Merry Christmas to all!
@katiekofemug
From the first time I heard this story read aloud by my fifth grade teacher, I longed to grow up and become a Mrs. Cratchit. I did, indeed, have six children and was for the most part, a good wife. Time and chance changed that before the youngest was a year old, but inside, where my self is stored, is still a Mrs. Cratchit, ready to give Mr. Scrooge a piece of my mind, tempered by more generous hearts, the children [all grown] and the day. Thank you for sharing this Mr. Shives. You delivered the passage very well, indeed.
@m8rshall
I mean... stick some Muppets in there, I think you have a banger of a movie with that one
@bonniebrush94
Well read sir! It brought tears and wishes for a better year. Thank you and Merry Christmas!
@veggieowlgirl
I had Christmas at a friend's house. Christmas didn't feel like Christmas. I took a nap and woke up thinking it was the next day. I listened to you read and it was Christmas. Thanks.
@denniscain5738
Watched the 50's version with Alistair Sims many times Too many But never read the book Your reading of this chapter has inspired me to read it Thank you
@gillianoneill3375
My dads' favourite book. It brings back memories of him. He passed away in 2005 and each Christmas I think of the book and of my dad. Beautifully read Steve. Thank you. Merry Christmas 🎄
@mhdivito