In this classic holiday tale, Charles Dickens takes readers on a powerful journey of transformation, redemption, and the true meaning of Christmas.

A Christmas Carol follows Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly and bitter old man, who values wealth above all else and scoffs at kindness and generosity.

On Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his former business partner, Jacob Marley, who warns him to change his ways or suffer a dismal fate.

Over the course of the night, Scrooge is visited by three spirits—the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. These spectral guides reveal poignant moments from his life, the struggles of those around him, and the grim future that awaits if he continues his path. Confronted with these revelations, Scrooge undergoes a profound change of heart.

By Christmas morning, he emerges a new man, embracing the joy of the season with open arms. Scrooge transforms into a symbol of compassion, generosity, and goodwill, proving that it’s never too late to change.

The Christmas Carol (full book reading) by Charles Dickens

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens is public domain.

Everyday Charlotte is owned and operated by Julie Boston.

The song used in this episode is “Ave Maria” composed by Franz Schubert with permission from Epidemic Sound.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to more episodes, visit everydaycharlotte.substack.com

For more fun supplementals visit: Once Upon a Printable

In this heartwarming conclusion to Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, Ebenezer Scrooge awakens on Christmas morning a changed man. Filled with joy and gratitude for a second chance, he embraces the Christmas spirit with boundless generosity.

Scrooge makes amends for his past wrongs by surprising the Cratchit family with a magnificent feast and extending kindness to everyone he meets.

His transformation radiates as he reconnects with his nephew Fred and vows to keep Christmas in his heart all year long.

This episode explores the redemptive power of love, charity, and compassion, leaving listeners with a timeless reminder of what the holiday season is truly about.

Perfect for fans of Dickens and those seeking a feel-good story of redemption, this episode highlights how Scrooge’s journey inspires us all to live more selflessly.

Stave Five: The End of it from Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol.

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens is public domain.

Everyday Charlotte is owned and operated by Julie Boston.

The song used in this episode is “Ave Maria” composed by Franz Schubert with permission from Epidemic Sound.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to more episodes, visit everydaycharlotte.substack.com

For more fun supplementals visit: Once Upon a Printable

In Stave Four, The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come takes Ebenezer Scrooge on a grim journey to reveal the consequences of his life’s choices if he remains unrepentant. Silent and foreboding, the spirit shows Scrooge scenes of sorrow, apathy, and a lonely death—his own—unmourned by others.

Scrooge witnesses a future shaped by greed and indifference, including the heartless reactions of those who stand to benefit from his demise.

As Scrooge confronts his tombstone and begs for redemption, the chapter underscores themes of transformation, responsibility, and hope.

Will Scrooge embrace the chance to rewrite his future? Tune in for an in-depth discussion on this pivotal moment in Dickens' timeless tale.

Stave Four: The Last of the Spirits from Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol.

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens is public domain.

Everyday Charlotte is owned and operated by Julie Boston.

The song used in this episode is “Ave Maria” composed by Franz Schubert with permission from Epidemic Sound.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to more episodes, visit everydaycharlotte.substack.com

For more fun supplementals visit: Once Upon a Printable

In Stave Three: The Second of the Three Spirits from A Christmas Carol, Scrooge is visited by the Ghost of Christmas Present. This spirit is a jolly giant surrounded by an abundance of food and drink.

The ghost shows Scrooge scenes of people celebrating Christmas, including the humble Cratchit family, who, despite their poverty, share a warm and loving holiday. Scrooge learns of Tiny Tim, Bob Cratchit's youngest son, who is frail and sickly but filled with joy.

The spirit also takes Scrooge to various other scenes, illustrating the joy and goodwill that Christmas brings, even in difficult circumstances.

Through these experiences, Scrooge is confronted with the consequences of his selfishness, especially in his neglect of the Cratchit family, and begins to feel regret.

The chapter ends with the spirit fading away, leaving Scrooge to ponder the lessons he is learning.

Stave Three: The Second of the Three Spirits from A Christmas Carol

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens is public domain.

Everyday Charlotte is owned and operated by Julie Boston.

The song used in this episode is “Ave Maria” composed by Franz Schubert with permission from Epidemic Sound.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to more episodes, visit everydaycharlotte.substack.com

For more fun supplementals visit: Once Upon a Printable

In Stave Two of A Christmas Carol, Scrooge is visited by the Ghost of Christmas Past, a mysterious figure embodying both youth and age, with a glowing light symbolizing memory and reflection. The spirit takes Scrooge on a journey through his own life, revisiting poignant moments from his boyhood, apprenticeship, and young adulthood. Scrooge witnesses his lonely childhood, the kindness of his employer Mr. Fezziwig, and the heartbreak of losing his fiancée, Belle, due to his growing obsession with wealth. These scenes stir deep emotions in Scrooge, forcing him to confront the choices and losses that shaped his life.

This episode explores the themes of memory, regret, and the power of reflection, as the first spirit begins to peel back the layers of Scrooge’s hardened heart.

Stave Two: The First of the Three Spirits from A Christmas Carol

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens is public domain.

Everyday Charlotte is owned and operated by Julie Boston.

The song used in this episode is “Ave Maria” composed by Franz Schubert with permission from Epidemic Sound.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to more episodes, visit everydaycharlotte.substack.com

For more fun supplementals visit: Once Upon a Printable

In the opening chapter of A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens introduces Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly, cold-hearted businessman who despises Christmas and all forms of joy. Set in Victorian London on a bleak December day, Scrooge scoffs at holiday greetings, refuses charitable donations, and rebuffs his nephew Fred's invitation to Christmas dinner. That night, Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his former business partner, Jacob Marley. Wrapped in heavy chains, Marley warns Scrooge of the torment that awaits if he doesn’t change his ways. Marley foretells the arrival of three spirits who will guide Scrooge toward redemption. The stage is set for a journey through time, self-reflection, and transformation.

This episode dives into the themes of greed, isolation, and the supernatural, capturing the chilling tone of Dickens' opening chapter.

Stave One: Marley's Ghost from A Christmas Carol

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens is public domain.

Everyday Charlotte is owned and operated by Julie Boston.

The song used in this episode is “Ave Maria” composed by Franz Schubert with permission from Epidemic Sound.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to more episodes, visit everydaycharlotte.substack.com

For more fun supplementals visit: Once Upon a Printable

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, written by Washington Irving, is a tale set in the early 19th century in the quaint village of Sleepy Hollow, New York. The story follows Ichabod Crane, a lanky schoolmaster and singing teacher who arrives in Sleepy Hollow, drawn not only by the charm of the town but also by the wealth of its inhabitants. Ichabod becomes enamored with Katrina Van Tassel, the beautiful daughter of a prosperous farmer, envisioning a life of comfort and luxury with her. However, he faces competition from Brom Bones, a strong and boisterous local who also seeks Katrina's affections.

As the story unfolds, Ichabod immerses himself in village life, captivating children with ghost stories and engaging the townsfolk. His aspirations are dashed when Katrina rejects him at a dance, leading to a night filled with heartbreak and tension. On his way home, he encounters the legendary Headless Horseman, a ghost said to haunt the area, resulting in a terrifying chase that leaves Ichabod missing and his fate uncertain. The tale blends elements of romance, rivalry, and supernatural folklore, ultimately making Ichabod’s story a haunting legend in its own right.

The Full Book of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving is public domain.

Content Disclosure: "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” was written in the early 1800s, and as such, it contains language and references that reflect the societal norms and views of that time. Some of the terms and subject matter, particularly the use of the word 'negros,' are no longer considered appropriate or acceptable today. While I’ve chosen to omit a particularly offensive passage, it's important to acknowledge these outdated views as part of the historical context. Please be mindful of this when sharing the story, especially with children."

Everyday Charlotte is owned and operated by Julie Boston.

The song used in this episode is “A Hoax” by Mary Riddle with permission from Epidemic Sound.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to more episodes, visit everydaycharlotte.substack.com

For more fun supplementals visit: Once Upon a Printable

In the seventh episode of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, we hear the thrilling tale of Ichabod Crane's fateful encounter with the Headless Horseman. As he races through the dark woods on his horse, Gunpowder, a heart-pounding chase ensues between the terrified Ichabod and the ghostly specter. Ultimately, Ichabod disappears without a trace, leaving the townsfolk to weave his fate into their own ghost stories, forever becoming a part of the haunting lore of Sleepy Hollow.

Episode Seven from The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving is public domain.

Content Disclosure: "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” was written in the early 1800s, and as such, it contains language and references that reflect the societal norms and views of that time. Some of the terms and subject matter, particularly the use of the word 'negros,' are no longer considered appropriate or acceptable today. While I’ve chosen to omit a particularly offensive passage, it's important to acknowledge these outdated views as part of the historical context. Please be mindful of this when sharing the story, especially with children."

Everyday Charlotte is owned and operated by Julie Boston.

The song used in this episode is “A Hoax” by Mary Riddle with permission from Epidemic Sound.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to more episodes, visit everydaycharlotte.substack.com

For more fun supplementals visit: Once Upon a Printable