Nutshell Summary

Charles Dickens’s 1843 novella, A Christmas Carol, begins with the death of Jacob Marley (Ebenezer Scrooge’s former associate). The two men had operated a firm together known as ‘Scrooge and Marley.’ Scrooge is now left as the sole proprietor.    
 
Scrooge’s nephew Fred enters the countinghouseon the 24th of December, Christmas Eve, wishing Scrooge a merry Christmas. The two men engage in a debate over the merits and demerits of Christmas, with Scrooge bitterly denouncing it as a “humbug.” Scrooge firmly rejects his nephew’s invitation to dine at his house on Christmas Day. Two charitable gentlemen then enter the countinghouse, seeking donations for the “Poor and destitute” of London. Scrooge resentfully refuses to offer his funds, despite his renowned wealth within the city.