2024: Scrooge and the Spirit

A couple late teasers for this year:

We could do with some holiday Spirit, so come round this Halloween for a very Spirited seasonal tale of transformation, and our latest twist on an old classic.

––and––

You should probably all know that Marley was dead to begin with. And, yet, he may be the first spirit you encounter this evening.

That's right, we mashed up our holidays for the telling of our first ever Hallows Garage ghost story!

Charles Dickens visits the Hallows Garage!

‣ The Backstory

Eventual ad libs aside, here's a look at our rough script from this special season, retelling Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" in miniature. All the following taking place in Scrooge's bedroom, of course

Our setting for this season.

[BELLS CHIME IN WITH THE START OF "GOD REST YE, MERRY GENTLEMEN." A SNOOZING SCROOGE JUMPS UP FROM BED WITH A START.]

Old Scrooge nodding off for an unsettled snooze.

Oh, what a restless night it’s been. Why are you awake, Ebenezer?

[SCROOGE RISES AND WALKS TO THE FIREPLACE]

What’s this? Ah, yes. That silly Christmas wreath my useless nephew, Fred, gave me earlier today. Not even useful for stoking the fire. 

Can't even burn the thing? What's the point?

Bah, Christmas. A poor excuse for picking a man’s pocket every 25th of December. The entire day off? With pay? It’s nearly as bad as giving Halloween candy to begging children each October. Bah, humbug!

Ever the businessman, Scrooge even counts money in his own bedroom.

Ah, but wait. I’ve already been visited by several spirits this evening.

The first, my late business partner, Jacob Marley. Not to be confused with his very different cousin, Bob.

No, there was old Jacob, [BACKGROUND: CHAINS SLOWLY CLANKING]
all bound and weighted down, still carrying the chains he’d forged by all the wrongs he’d done in life. He claimed I’d designed one of equal measure already seven Christmases ago, and far weightier now than even his. I shudder to think… [CHAIN CLANKING STOPS]

A shadowy Marley was always out front to greet visitors. If they spotted him.

He told me I’d meet three others.

The first of those was the Ghost of Christmas Past.

[BACKGROUND WHISPER: “RISE AND WALK WITH ME”]

With that spirit came a flood of memories of my youth. A lonely boy, sent away to school. I recalled the love of my dear sister and former fiance. All long gone. All emotions long forgotten.

Hmm. “Emotion.” A humbug! 

Scrooge is not interested in talking "feelings."

And yet, I can’t help but recall happier times, like old Fezziwig’s Christmas parties [BEMUSED LAUGH], later drown out by a nagging fear of the poverty I’d known as a child, leading me to become the business man I am today.

Hmmm. Surely all for the best, I suppose.

The Ghost of Christmas Present has just gone.

[BACKGROUND BIG AND BOLD: “COME IN AND KNOW ME BETTER, MAN!”]

This spirit showed me many things, including what so many townsfolk and even family members really think of me. Hmmph.

Scrooge continues to share his evening—and his life story—up 'til now.

But what stood out above all was the son of my clerk, Bob Cratchit. A boy they call Tiny Tim. He’s in poor condition, yet has so much joy, the lad, carrying on about the one who made the lame walk and blind see. Yet, Christmas seems a happy time for the whole family despite their poverty. Inexplicable, really. I wondered if the boy would make it to see another.

[THE CLOCK BELLS TOLL 3 AM. SCROOGE LOOKS AT THE CLOCK AND RISES.]

Ah, 3 a.m. I should be off to bed.

Ah, but surely this was all a fanciful dream. Perhaps just a bit of undigested beef causing these apparitions to seem so real. Bah, it’s all just a humbug! A humbug, I say!

Some things you can't just dream away.

[THE GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST APPEARS AND GRABS SCROOGE BY THE SHOULDERS. SCROOGE TURNS WITH A START.]

That moment you realize there's a GHOST behind you.

What the Dickens?!

[SCROOGE TURNS TO SEE THE TERRIFYING, SHROUDED SPIRIT.]

Ah, I take it I am in the presence of the Spirit of Christmas Future. Spirit, I fear you above all the spectres that have come before, as I fear I’m too old to change. But, show me what you must.

[THE SPIRIT POINTS. SCROOGE IS CONFUSED.]

What are you pointing at? The bed? [SPIRIT SHAKES HEAD NO]

The wall is it? [SPIRIT SHAKES HEAD NO]

The random people standing nearby as we recount this story?
[SPIRIT PUTS OTHER HAND TO HEAD AND SHAKES HEAD NO]

Scrooge really does not get it.

What then?  [THE SPIRIT POINTS. SCROOGE NOTICES SOMETHING UNUSUAL]

What’s this? [SCROOGE UNCOVERS A GRAVESTONE AND CRUTCH IN THE SNOW]

Scrooge reveals a possible scenario to come.

An iconic look ahead.

Always pointing toward an uncertain future.

A gravestone. And does this crutch belong to the boy? 

Is there truly an empty chair in the Cratchit home? 

And do I see my own name inscribed upon this stone?

Grim predictions.

Spirit, tell me, are these the shadows of things that will be, or of things that might be?

I can look upon this no more.

[SCROOGE COVERS THE GRAVESTONE]

Good spirit, show me that these shadows may be altered! I’m not the man I was. God help me, I will honor Christmas in my heart and try to keep it all the year! Show me these things may change!

Reality finally hits different for Scrooge.

[THE SPIRIT WALKS OFF BACKWARD AS SCROOGE HIDES IN THE COVERS, TREMBLING. HE UNCOVERS HIS FACE AND LOOKS AROUND.]

It’s morning. I’m still here! 

I’m as light as a feather! I’m as merry as a school boy!

Scrooge's celebratory dance.

[SCROOGE INTERACTS WITH THE AUDIENCE]

I say, you there! What’s today my fine fellow?

[SCROOGE PROCESSES THE RESPONSE (which was quite typically, "Halloween," of course)]

A remarkable boy! An intelligent boy! Perhaps a confused boy, as I think today is actually Christmas Day, but... Oh, it is. It's Christmas Day! I haven’t missed it! The spirits did it all in one night! Of course they did. They can do anything they like!

[BACKGROUND: "JOY TO THE WORLD" BELLS]

Wait! Let me give you something.

[SCROOGE LOOKS AROUND FOR AN APPROPRIATE GIFT. THE SPIRIT’S HAND SUDDENLY APPEARS, HOLDING OUT A BASKET OF TREATS]  

Well, isn't that handy?

Ah, yes, the Halloween candy I confiscated earlier this year! it's perfect!

Quite convenient.

Scrooge's sudden generosity delights trick-or-treaters young and old.

Here you go! Merry Christmas! Happy Halloween! And God bless us, every one!

And now, presenting one of the evening's live shows for your viewing pleasure:

FREAKY FACT: Per the ad lib, we really did have the tornado sirens sound overnight, waking us all up. On Halloween morn. No wonder Scrooge was so cranky. Humbug! 💯

‣ The Trick

Surprised at this holiday mashup? Admittedly, so too were we at first, when the theme was finally decided relatively late in the year. The telling of this particular tale, which may seem off-season to some, was largely inspired by Christianity Today's 2023 podcast series "Be Afraid," in which their final—and also unexpected—Christmas episode explored many of the both terrifying and redemptive elements bound up in this classic.

However, let it be known I've long loved this story, having viewed many different versions over the years, not least of which was the much revered 1992 release of "The Muppet Christmas Carol," in which Michael Caine played a phenomenal Scrooge. (If you've never seen it, go do that.)

But it was the podcast that had us at, "Of course, it's a ghost story." We'd never showcased a true ghost story before. And since you can be any character you want for Halloween, why not recreate this particular nightmare before Christmas?

Further surprising may have been our casting choices. The truth? One of us is simply faster at writing and effectively memorizing lots of dialogue, especially on short notice—and a packed October had us pulling much of this together in just the few weeks ahead of Halloween. Besides, having the spirit stand taller than Scrooge further enhanced the dramatic effect.

Let's not forget, we needed Christmas Future on those backstage sound effects.

We processed some similarities between Scrooge and our former Mr. Hyde, and concocted the Scrooge look with the dressing gown (a late Amazon purchase), greyed hair (thanks to some awful smelling, tinted hairsprays) and voicing. The accent, while somewhat inspired by noticing several Scrooge's angrily rolling their "R's," was also based in part on the voice of Sylvester McCoy, who played the seventh Doctor in the original Doctor Who series.

Yep. Obviously loved playing this part.

This unanticipated opportunity to play Scrooge has provided an entirely new appreciation of the depth of this work. (And prompted a later deep dive into the story via a free online course from Hillsdale College.)

A post-Halloween acquisition of a faithful reproduction copy of Dickens' original book.

I've always found the Ghost of Christmas Future to be the most terrifying of the spirits—eclipsing even Marley's tortured soul, along with Scrooge's brief glimpse of others like him who remained bound in those chains they'd forged in life. Marley might momentarily lose his jaw, but at least he's come back for the good of his friend.

Still, it's Christmas Future's faceless, reaper-like appearance and absolute silence—while always pointing ahead—which remain particularly disturbing. This was the scene I simultaneously most anticipated and dreaded as a child, as it is necessary for Scrooge to face the possibilities presented by this foreboding spirit ahead of his personal transformation to a kinder, gentler soul. This spirit really does embody the fearful anticipation of many of us toward our own futures.

Christmas Future notes the time of his appearing.

Even so, it turns out it's not the ghosts who are the terror here. Not unlike Dr. Jekyll, or even Victor Frankenstein, it's old Ebenezer, himself, who's become the true monster. And while we start off deeply disliking Scrooge, we ultimately end up rooting for him to recall his own humanity—and to recognize the inherent worth of the people who surround him every day.

Thankfully, even Scrooge has a ghost of a chance.

For the props department, this year was largely designed with items we hadn't used in Halloweens past, including an old grandmother clock once belonging to my grandparents, and the last good deed of a phenomenal twin bed I'd owned from youth. (Shout out to Serta for the most comfortable mattress ever—right to the end. 😢)

The gravestone and fireplace were both special purchases for this scene, with the "firelight" produced by a candlelight flame effect bulb.

Tiny Tim's crutch was from a set unexpectedly spotted at a local thrift store and modified, without damage, to appear a bit smaller. Following this short stint in theatre, these crutches would soon find a new supporting role via the STL Help Medical Equipment Lending Program.

Meanwhile, the "snow" was collected a while back in long anticipation of another theme we hope to explore in Halloween future.

A look ahead at what could have been.

The coins on Scrooge's table weren’t quite from the 1800s, but they were legit British currency from various years, including a half penny dating back to 1962.

Scrooge's home counting table. Cause every shilling counts.

A closer look at Scrooge's spoils.

Our Scrooge and Marley sign and Marley door knocker were specially produced in the Creative Lab at the new St. Louis County Library Clark Branch. The sign was originated in Adobe InDesign, saved to PDF and further adjusted at the library to be laser etched on Gloforge. For the Marley knocker, plans were located free at Thingiverse and taken in for 3D printing.

A better look at the Marley knocker.

Getting an extra cut on the Gloforge before pickup.

FREAKY FACTS: While we based our sign off of other fanciful creations found 'round the web, it's actually unclear where Scrooge and Marley's Counting House was precisely located. Details within the book may indicate it was set in Newman's Court, so we decided to roll with that. Furthermore, it is never made clear when the business was established. Many signs read "1843," but this is actually the year in which the story was set. Since Marley had been gone seven years, and we don't know his or Scrooge's actual ages, we decided to make it 1803—exactly 40 years before the story takes place, and likely setting Scrooge and Marley in their 20s, giving them plenty of time to become wealthy misers along the way.

Additionally, while the book has the clock strike back to midnight, other tellings have the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come arriving at 3 a.m. In part for logistical purposes, we allowed the three chimes of the clock to mark this third spirit.

Finally, at least one savvy young visitor noted Christmas Future's long, bony hands were actually those of one Jack Skellington, as you may note in these bonus shots from the evening:

Scrooge turns his back to the future.

Still trying to work out the time travel sitch on the classic clock.

Until Halloween future!

‣ The Treat

Of course, for "A Christmas Carol" we had to hand out Christmas ducks! Scrooge was also feeling generous enough to give each recipient a gold or silver coin—made of chocolate, of course. Standard pretzels and candy were rounded out by a miniature Sweet Tarts candy cane.

Just spreading that Christmas cheer.

We were grateful as always for each of our visitors on this fine, and relatively comfortable evening, one of the last of whom started coming by at 7–years-old and this year was 17! We were also excited to have precisely the right number of duck bags on hand when she arrived late with a friend, bringing us to 118 bags shared by Scrooge.

Special thanks to our church pal, Peter, for coming in clutch this year, as several of our usual helpers weren’t feeling well, and for even shooting our late live performance video.

Late night garage shenanigans with the crew.

And while there are numerous paths to the Gospel from this classic tale of transformation (making it likely we'll revisit the story for our annual Christmas letter as well), this is the one we told:

JUST THE TEXT:

Ebenezer Scrooge experienced quite a fright, didn’t he? And it wasn’t even at Halloween, but at Christmastime! An orchestrated effort of several spirits—most notably our Ghost of Christmas Future—brought old Scrooge to his senses, helping him transform from a greedy miser to a generous friend to all. Instead of hating Christmas, he finds joy in “keeping Christmas” all year long, with generosity and love toward family, friends and neighbours.

While we need not fear any past (or future) friends coming round to haunt us, the celebration of Christmas really is a great reminder of an event that can change us too. It’s the celebration of a very special baby named Jesus. Spiritual beings called angels even announced His birth, proclaiming Jesus was “God with us,” the Prince of Peace on Earth.

Jesus grew up to be infinitely more kind and generous than the transformed Scrooge! He was willing to give everything, even Himself, so we don’t have to carry the weight and chains of any wrongs we’ve done, like Scrooge’s old friend, Jacob Marley, described. No, Jesus came to carry that weight for us and offer God’s forgiveness. And that means we never have to be haunted by our past, disturbed by our present or in fear of our future.

What’s more, knowing Jesus means we can know a completely unique Spirit—that is, the Spirit of God Himself, the Holy Spirit, who can help us be kind and generous just like Jesus. If we know we’ve been forgiven by God because of Jesus’ generosity, the Holy Spirit can also help us forgive the mean or angry “Scrooges” we might meet in life too.

None of us is too old, or even too young, to trust Jesus and receive the Holy Spirit’s help to change and love others well. To that we say, like Tiny Tim, “God bless us, every one!”

If you’d like to know more about Jesus, you might fancy reading the Big Story, plus find Bible links and videos at hallowsgarage.blogspot.com.

With that, we wish you a merry Christmas... and a happy Halloween!
_____

Be haunted by the ghosts of Our Halloweens past:
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