The classical tale follows the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a grumpy miser who has forgotten the joys of the Holidays.
Ebenezer Scrooge has been leading a lonely life for quite some time now. It’s been years since the death of his former colleague Jacob Marley. Scrooge has long forgotten about the kindness in his heart. Instead of accepting his nephew’s sweet invitation to Christmas Eve dinner, he would much rather stay home to torment his clerk, Bob Cratchit, yet to keep up with the traditions, he releases Bob and stays all by himself.
Late at night, he listens to what seems to be heavy chains only to be met with the ghost of the late Jacob Marley attached to money boxes as he suffers the punishments of the life he carried. Marley warns Scrooge that if he does not fix his ways he will end up the same as him. Furthermore, he informs him that the same night he will be visited by the spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet To Come, to teach him important lessons.
The first spirit to come around is the Ghost of Christmas Past. This one takes Scrooge to his past and shows him his solitude during childhood and his amicable agreement with his kind sister and former employer, Mr. Fezziwig. He also shows Scrooge his failed relationship with his ex-fiance, whom he was never capable of loving more than money. He is now happily married and enjoying a life without him. Scrooge becomes very upset with this journey and only wants to be taken back home.
Later the same evening, the Ghost of Christmas Present introduces Scrroge to a place filled with merry people buying Christmas ornaments and other items. He then shows the cranky old man the party his nephew Fred organized, where Bob Cratchit is introducing Tiny Tim, his youngest son, who is also very ill and needs treatment urgently. The Ghost also presents Scrooge with his two malnourished children, Ignorance and Want.
Last but not least, the Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come, is silent and mournful. He proceeds to show Scrooge a Christmas Day in the future where Scrooge is no longer alive and his funeral is only attended by a businessman chasing a free meal. His possessions were stolen and resold, and the only people feeling any type of emotion towards his death are a couple who feel relieved since now they can get their finances in order. On the other hand, he also shows Bob Cratchit and his big family as they sorrowfully mourn the death of his youngest son, Tiny Tim.
Ebenezer Scrooge then proceeds to break into tears and decides to change his ways. The next morning he wakes up and issues a large donation to charity, sends a big Turkey to Bob Cratchit, and visits his nephew Fred to spend Christmas with him. The following day, he also increases Bob Cratchit’s pay and becomes a part of Tiny Tim’s life. Old Scrooge goes from being cranky and hateful to treating everyone with kindness and warmth.
Christmas Streets
Start your tale with the iconic streets lit up with the Christmas spirit. The Nightime European Street backdrop features two buildings, and a pathway looking out onto more grey tall buildings. In the background, a silhouette of a town is visible resting against a blue-grey sky with dark clouds. The road is illuminated with the glow of yellow street lamps.
The English Winter Village backdrop features Tudo and Victorian-style residences and shops. Christmas wreaths, sconce lighting fixtures, and an inn sign can also be seen hanging from the establishments. The streets and roofs of the buildings are all covered in freshly fallen snow.
Use these backdrops to immerse your audience in retelling this magical story.
At Fred’s
The gorgeous Christmas Victorian Parlor displays a gorgeous Douglas fir fully decorated for Christmas. Nestled under the tree are brightly colored packages. The walls are a neutral color and have two large windows displaying freshly fallen snow on each pane of glass. The windows are adorned by period red swag drapery fringed with gold. In the center is a large fireplace hosting a gorgeous orange and yellow fire. Hanging on the mantel are colorful children’s stockings waiting to be filled with treats.
Use this backdrop to create the magical moments where Scrooge faces his nephew and the reality his clerk, Bob Scrachit, has been dealing with his son’s sickness.
The Graveyard
The Full Moon Graveyard backdrop features the bright full moon hovering above a dark, blue sky. Down below, there is a silhouette of a graveyard with solemn tombstones, dead trees with outreaching branches, and an iron fence with an inviting open gate.
Use this backdrop to bring to life the moments where Scrooge decides to turn his life around and embrace the Christmas spirit.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the Christmas Carol backdrop?
The Christmas Carol backdrops include the scenery of the village, the inside of Scrooge’s place, where most of the story takes place, and the graveyard where he finally finds enough reasons to change his life.
What is the main theme of Christmas Carol backdrops?
Christmas is the main theme of every backdrop and one of the central aspects of the story.