The novella tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly and cold-hearted old man who despises Christmas and everything associated with it. He is known for his greed and cruelty, refusing to help those in need and treating his employees, including Bob Cratchit, with harshness and disdain. On Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his former business partner, Jacob Marley, who has been condemned to wander the earth in chains as punishment for his own greed and selfishness in life. Marley warns Scrooge that he too will suffer a similar fate unless he changes his ways. Marley informs Scrooge that he will be visited by three spirits that night. Throughout the night, Scrooge is visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present, and Christmas Yet to Come (or Future). These spirits take him on a journey through time, showing him scenes from his own past, the current hardships faced by those he knows, and the bleak future that awaits him if he continues his miserly ways. As Scrooge confronts these visions and experiences, he undergoes a profound transformation. He realizes the error of his miserly and selfish behavior and becomes filled with the spirit of Christmas. He becomes generous, compassionate, and eager to help others.