Charles Dickens’ novella A Christmas Carol is one of the most widely adapted stories of all time. With countless films, stage productions, musicals, interpretations, and even an opera to its name, it seems to be a story which captures our collective imagination.
The classic tale of greed, redemption, love, and compassion – with a sprinkling of the supernatural – offers a social commentary that still resonates with audiences today.
With its underlying theme of wealth, it’s a highly topical subject to explore, featuring multiple messages.
Here are four inspirational lessons to learn from the story of Ebenezer Scrooge.
From miser to mentor: The redemption of Scrooge is a heartwarming classic
There’s a very good chance you already know the story of A Christmas Carol. But if you need a reminder, it tells the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserable miser who runs a moneylending business.
He lives a joyless life and is rude and cruel to his clerk, the well-meaning Bob Cratchit.
On Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited by four spirits: his deceased former business partner Jacob Marley, the Ghost of Christmas Past, the Ghost of Christmas Present, and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. They show him the error of his ways and he vows to become a changed man. This includes helping the Cratchit family with their ill son, Tiny Tim.
With this story in mind, here are four lessons to learn from A Christmas Carol.
1. You can write your own future
“Spirit! Hear me! I am not the man I was.” – Scrooge to the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come
The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come shows Scrooge his own gravestone, and he hears the dreadful things being said about him after his death. Realising this, Scrooge vows to the spirit that he will change.
The future isn’t written for you – it’s yours to shape. Having a clear idea of what you’d like your later life to look like can help you to create a financial plan that reflects your goals. This could include travel, downsizing, taking up new hobbies, or spending more time with family.
We can’t project you into your future as the spirit does with Scrooge, but we can work with you to explore a range of different future scenarios and build your strategy from there.
2. Thinking beyond constant accumulation could help you live a longer, happier life
Scrooge to Bob Cratchit: “I’ll raise your salary and endeavour to assist your struggling family.”
Scrooge accumulates money, but at what cost? He’s isolated, friendless, and bitter, refusing to spend on an extra lump of coal or donate to the charity workers who come calling.
While saving for your future forms part of your financial plan, it’s by no means the only part. Enjoying your life, forming social connections, and living with purpose and joy are equally important considerations.
“Cumulative social advantage” is the idea that social relationships could help you live a longer life. According to the Guardian, this theory suggests that social interactions can reduce your stress response and associated consequences such as inflammation and cellular ageing.
All good reasons to consider your retirement beyond the value of your pension.
3. Be a little more like Fred
Fred, on Scrooge: “I mean to give him the same chance every year, whether he likes it or not.”
Scrooge’s nephew Fred is full of joy, life, and generosity. His sunny outlook is in direct contrast to that of his surly uncle, and he chooses to see the best in people, even Scrooge.
There is huge power in positive thinking. According to VeryWellMind, it can aid stress management, reduce low self-esteem, and improve your physical health.
Fred shows that generosity doesn’t need to be monetary. He invites Scrooge to Christmas every year and refuses to think badly of him. His life is full of friends, laughter, and good humour.
It’s clear from the story that Fred actively chooses this attitude. If you’re prone to being a “glass-half-empty” thinker, you can start to reframe your thoughts using techniques such as:
- Keeping a gratitude journal
- Shifting to positive self-talk
- Noticing when your thoughts are negative and making a conscious effort to change your focus.
Building these simple techniques into your everyday life can soon help you find a more positive outlook.
4. Listen to Marley
Marley to Scrooge: “I wear the chain I forged in life.”
Jacob Marley is arguably the saddest figure in the story. While Scrooge has the chance of redemption, Marley is condemned to eternal misery. Appearing as a spirit in shackles made from cashboxes, padlocks, keys, deeds, and ledgers, he begs Scrooge not to make the same mistakes.
In life, Marley was wealthy but lonely, much like Scrooge. His spirit learns, too late, the regret of a life without meaning.
Wealth is an enabler, allowing you to live your life with purpose. It should never feel like a burden, restricting you.
Consider how to use your wealth beneficially, perhaps through gifting to loved ones or charity. But remember that your time, involvement, and presence are equally important in sustaining meaningful connections.
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Let’s end on a last word from Scrooge, with his promise of redemption for good:
“I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future.”
Scrooge learns from the spirits, but if you’d like some down-to-earth financial advice, we’re here to help. Please get in touch by emailing hello@fingerprintfp.co.uk or calling 03452 100 100.
Please note
This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.
All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.