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Scrooge and the Spirit of Christmas Present went on, invisible, into a small house where Bob Cratchit, Scrooge’s clerk, lived with his family. Bob’s family couldn’t see Scrooge and the Spirit, but Scrooge could see them clearly. In the house, Bob and his family enjoyed a wonderful Christmas dinner.

When everyone had finished eating, Bob poured a hot fruit drink into everyone’s cups. He held up his own and said, “ A merry Christmas to us all, my dears!” Everyone in the family repeated this and, “Merry Christmas, everyone!” said Tiny Tim, the last of all.

Tiny Tim sat very close to his father’s side. Bob loved the child and wished to keep him by his side. It was as if Bob was afraid the boy might be taken from him. The boy had a special place in his father’s heart.

“To Mr. Scrooge!” said Bob. “A merry Christmas to Mr. Scrooge who gave us our wonderful meal.”

“Nonsense,” cried Mrs. Cratchit, with a red face. “I wish I had him here. I’d tell him what I think of him. He has given us nothing; you have worked all the hours of the day to earn the poor wage he pays you.”

Thinking about Scrooge made all the Cratchits feel unhappy. Even Tiny Tim stopped smiling. They all knew what a mean, unkind man he was. The memory of the old man did not last long, and soon, they were all happy and cheerful again.

They were not a handsome family. But, they were happy, grateful, and pleased with one another. Scrooge watched them, especially Tiny Tim, until it was time for him to leave.

—Taken from A Christmas Carol