How to Deal with the Scrooges and Grinches in Your Life This Christmas

Every festive season brings out a glorious mix of personalities: the cheerfully over-excited, the quietly cosy, the organised elves… and then those who seem determined to channel pre-redemption Scrooge or out-Grinch the Grinch himself.

Whether it’s a colleague who grumbles every time someone mentions mince pies, a relative who announces “I’m not doing Christmas this year” for the fifth December running, or a neighbour who insists your outdoor lights are “too sparkly”, these characters can dampen the mood if you let them.

Here’s how to navigate the season with grace, humour, and your festive spirit fully intact.

1. Don’t Take Their Bah-Humbug Personally

Some people simply find Christmas overwhelming, stressful, or emotionally complicated. Others dislike the commercial side, or they’re exhausted, grieving, or feeling isolated. Whatever the reason, their attitude rarely has anything to do with you.

A little empathy goes a long way – even when they’re muttering about “pointless tinsel”.

2. Keep Your Boundaries Bright and Clear

If someone’s negativity starts spilling over into your celebrations, don’t feel obliged to absorb it.

A cheerful:

“I understand you’re not feeling festive, but let’s park that for now and enjoy the moment”

can keep the peace without letting the mood spiral.

3. Offer Gentle Participation — Not Pressure

Invite them to join in, but don’t push. The quickest way to make a Scrooge dig in their heels is by insisting they must partake.

Keep things low-pressure:

Offer a seat at the Christmas film night

Save them a slice of Yule log

Ask if they’d like to help with something small

Often, tiny acts of inclusion can thaw even the hardest festive frost.

4. Choose Festive Activities That Suit Their Personality

Not everyone enjoys singing carols at full volume or wrapping gifts in glittery paper.

Consider alternatives:

A quiet winter walk

A board game

A mellow Christmas cocktail evening

Sometimes it’s not Christmas itself they dislike, but the noise or chaos.

5. Let Humour Light the Way

A bit of gentle teasing works wonders — as long as it’s warm, not sharp.

A playful “Alright, Mr Scrooge, shall I pencil you in for exactly one Christmas cracker?” can break the tension and soften the mood.

6. Share, Don’t Lecture

Telling someone they “should be more festive” rarely works.

But sharing stories, traditions, or memories can help them see why the season matters to you. You’re not persuading — you’re offering connection.

7. Remember: Even Scrooge Came Round Eventually

In A Christmas Carol, Scrooge’s transformation wasn’t forced; it came from real reflection, compassion, and human kindness.

Most real-life Scrooges won’t get a visit from the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future — but kindness, patience, and small gestures can nudge them towards a warmer outlook.

8. Protect Your Own Festive Joy

The most important rule: don’t let anyone else’s attitude steal your sparkle.

If someone refuses to engage, that’s entirely their choice. You’re allowed to enjoy every moment — from the cheesy music to the festive jumpers — without apology.

9. Celebrate with Those Who Do Want the Cheer

Spend time with the people who love Christmas. They’ll boost your mood, strengthen your traditions, and help you keep the season magical, regardless of who’s grumbling in the corner.

Scrooges and Grinches are part of the Christmas landscape — but they don’t have to dim your festive glow. With empathy, humour, and healthy boundaries, you can keep your celebrations joyful while still offering kindness to those who struggle with the season.

After all, Christmas is about goodwill to all… even the grumpy ones.

Why Everyone Should Own a Reebok GT40 S Treadmill This Christmas

The Christmas season might be the most wonderful time of the year, but it’s also when fitness routines often fall by the wayside. 

Between festive food, shorter days and chillier weather, staying active can be a challenge. That’s where the Reebok GT40 S Treadmill comes in to its own. 

This sleek, foldable treadmill makes it easy to keep your step count up, your energy high and your New Year resolutions on track, all from the comfort of home.

 Whether you’re shopping for a loved one or treating yourself to a healthy gift, it’s the perfect addition to your festive wish list.

A Gift That Keeps on Giving

While many presents are quickly forgotten once the decorations come down, a treadmill is a gift that genuinely lasts. The Reebok GT40 S offers a perfect mix of comfort, power and practicality, something every home gym (or spare room/home office) deserves.

It features:

A 2.0 HP motor capable of speeds up to 16 km/h (That's a smidgen under 10mph)

12 levels of powered incline to keep workouts challenging

A 132 × 44 cm running deck, roomy yet space-efficient

A soft-drop hydraulic folding mechanism that makes storage simple and safe

For busy families or anyone who prefers to stay indoors when the weather turns frosty, it’s an ideal way to stay fit through the festive season and beyond.

Comfort Meets Clever Design

The ONE Series Cushioning System is the secret to the GT40 S’s comfort. With three distinct cushioning zones, for landing, stance and push-off, every stride feels smoother and gentler on the joints. It really is that comfortable. 

That means no icy pavements, no foggy air, no slippery leaves, and no aching knees, just a comfortable, low-impact way to move your body while listening to Christmas music or catching up on your favourite festive films. (Wait! Scrooge on a treadmill? That's a great idea!)

Ready-Made Motivation

The treadmill’s 36 preset workout programmes make it easy to stay motivated. Whether you fancy a gentle morning walk before unwrapping gifts or a quick post-dinner jog to burn off those mince pies, there’s a setting to suit every mood and goal. And it even allows you to just get walking or running without using the workout programmes! 

The smart LCD display tracks your speed, distance, time and calories, while quick-access incline and speed buttons mean you can adjust your run in seconds. There are even built-in speakers, so you can blast out your Christmas playlist while you exercise!

Designed for the Modern Home

Reebok’s GT40 S has been built with practicality in mind. It’s sturdy and stable but folds away neatly thanks to its soft-drop hydraulic system. 

With a maximum user weight of 110 kg (17.3 stone) and solid warranty support, it’s designed to last well beyond this Christmas and many more to come.

If you are buying this as a Christmas gift, do shop around. Sports Direct charge £499.99, whilst Gymworld charge £387.12.

https://www.sportsdirect.com/reebok-gt40-s-treadmill-765002

https://gymsworld.co.uk/product/reebok-gt40s-one-series-treadmill-black

The Perfect Present for a Healthier New Year

Between cold mornings and tempting Christmas treats, it’s easy for fitness goals to slip away. But with the Reebok GT40 S Treadmill, there’s no excuse not to stay active, even when it’s snowing outside.

It’s a gift of health, energy and motivation,  something far more meaningful than socks or aftershave. So if you’re planning to start the new year strong, or want to give someone the encouragement to do the same, this treadmill truly earns its place on the “Nice List.”

In short: this Christmas, why not give the gift of movement, motivation and a healthier 2026? With the Reebok GT40 S Treadmill, the journey to fitness begins right at home, one comfortable stride at a time.

Incidentally after I have crafted this blogpost I am going to walk over to our very own GT40 S treadmill and take a lovely walk in our living room! 

Yes, my wife and I decided to indulge in a little bit of early self-gifting this Christmas season, it replaced an older Reebok treadmill that we had owned for several years and decided to treat ourselves to an upgrade.

A Christmas Carol (2025) A timeless tale reimagined for the digital age.

In a city where Christmas cheer was as rare as a day without emails, one man believed profit was the only purpose of life.

 But when technology, and three mysterious spirits, interrupt his carefully balanced world, even the coldest heart begins to thaw…

A Christmas Carol – A Modern Retelling

Ebenezer Scrooge was the sort of man who tracked his life in numbers, profit margins, stock prices, interest rates. As director of Scrooge & Marley Investments, he lived by a single rule: everything had a value, except Christmas.

His penthouse, left to him by his former partner Jacob Marley, overlooking the Thames gleamed like an operating theatre, spotless, silent, soulless. 

He had felt proud to have had the apartment block's concierge staff drive away some carol singers from the patio area before the doors.  

No tinsel, no tree, no warmth. He dismissed festive cheer as a distraction. “Sentiment doesn’t pay the bills,” he would mutter, sipping black coffee from a cup that probably cost more than most people’s weekly food shop.

His only employee, Bob Cratchit, worked remotely from a cramped flat in Croydon, juggling spreadsheets and a family of four. Cratchit made it a point to always invite carol singers into his home and give them whatever money he could afford.

His youngest son, Tim, had a mobility condition that needed expensive treatment that wasn't available on the NHS. "A postcode lottery" they called it. Scrooge knew of this situation and ignored it. “He’s lucky to have a job,” he’d tell himself.

But on one Christmas Eve, as the London skyline flickered beneath a misty moon, something strange happened. Scrooge was working late, glaring at a spreadsheet, when his Wi-Fi cut out. Then his smart speaker crackled to life with a voice that wasn’t Alexa’s. Strange. It sounded like Jacob Marley.

“Ebenezer Scrooge,” it intoned. “You will be haunted by three spirits.”

He froze. “Ridiculous,” he muttered, but before he could stand, the lights dimmed and the room dissolved around him.

The Ghost of Christmas Past

Scrooge found himself standing in his old school gym. His younger self stood alone while classmates laughed and exchanged Christmas presents. 

He remembered that ache, the shame of being the boy who couldn’t afford a gift.

The ghost beside him, a being made of shifting light, spoke softly. “You built your life on never feeling that way again. But in building your walls, you lost more than you gained.”

Scene after scene flickered: the university girlfriend he’d pushed away for overtime, the family gatherings he’d skipped for work, the years that blurred together in pursuit of more. 

When the vision faded, the silence of his penthouse felt colder than ever.

The Ghost of Christmas Present

Next came a booming laugh and the scent of cinnamon. A large man in a garish Christmas jumper appeared, holding a takeaway latte. “Come along, Scrooge let’s see what joy looks like!”

They appeared in the Cratchit family’s tiny living room. Bob was carving a small chicken as if it were a turkey, while his family laughed, shared jokes, and wore paper crowns from bargain crackers.

Tim held up a digital card he’d made on his tablet. “I made one for Mr Scrooge too,” he said brightly.

His father smiled wearily. “That’s kind, lad. But I don’t think he’s the card-opening type.”

The ghost looked at Scrooge. “They have so little — yet so much. What have you done with all your plenty?”

The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come

The third spirit was silent, cloaked in black, its face hidden behind a blank mask. Every screen in Scrooge’s home lit up, showing headline after headline:

SCROOGE & MARLEY INVESTMENTS COLLAPSES IN SCANDAL.

WEALTHY BANKER FOUND DEAD — FUNERAL UNATTENDED.

LOCAL CHILD TIM CRATCHIT DIES AFTER TREATMENT FUND SHORTFALL.

Scrooge fell to his knees. “No! Tell me these are shadows that can be changed!”

The spirit pointed to one final image: Scrooge’s reflection, old, grey, utterly alone.

A New Morning

Scrooge woke with a start. Sunlight streamed across the room. Christmas morning.

He reached for his phone and, without hesitating, called Bob.

“Merry Christmas, my friend! Take the week off, with full pay. In fact, I'll treble your pay! And tell young Tim I’d like to invest in his designs. That boy has real talent.”

Bob was speechless.

A few hours later, Scrooge turned up on the Cratchits’ doorstep with bags of food, toys, and a shiny new laptop. The children gasped. Bob nearly dropped his roast potatoes.

“I’ve come to celebrate properly this time,” Scrooge said, his voice softer than it had been in years.

From that day forward, Ebenezer Scrooge was a changed man. He still read the markets, but he also read bedtime stories to the Cratchit children. 

He became known not just for his business acumen, but for his unexpected kindness.

And every Christmas thereafter, when laughter filled the Cratchit home, Tim would look up from his laptop and grin.

“God bless us, everyone,” he’d say, “even the ones who took a bit longer to reboot.”

Step Into Dickens’ London: The Great Christmas Feast at The Lost Estate

Every Christmas season, London seems to reinvent itself, lights, markets, music, and magic fill every corner. 

Yet there’s one experience that rises above the rest for those who truly live Christmas all year long.

Welcome to The Great Christmas Feast at The Lost Estate, an immersive dining and theatre experience that transports you straight into the world of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.

If you’ve ever wished to dine by candlelight in Dickens’ own parlour, listening as he reads his most beloved story, this is your chance.

A Christmas Carol Comes to Life

The Great Christmas Feast takes place inside The Lost Estate, tucked away in West Kensington, a hidden London venue transformed into Dickens’ home on Christmas Eve, 1843.

As you step through the doors, you leave modern London behind. The smell of mulled wine, the glow of gaslight, and the sound of carols fill the air. Around you are flickering candles, handwritten manuscripts, and the bustle of Victorian servants.

And then, Dickens himself appears.

Played by a skilled actor, the author welcomes you as his guest and begins to tell his story, switching effortlessly between Scrooge, Marley, and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future.

All the while, you dine and drink in his world, as live musicians weave haunting melodies around every scene. It’s beautiful, atmospheric, and utterly unforgettable.

The Feast: Victorian Flavours, Modern Magic

The experience includes a three-course feast, created by Executive Chef Ashley Clarke (whose previous work includes Gordon Ramsay Group and Temper Soho).

Each dish is inspired by 19th-century Christmas dining, but with a luxurious modern twist.

Starter: Think rich ham hock terrine or a beautifully balanced vegetarian option, served with pickled winter vegetables and crusty sourdough.

Main: A stunning confit Gressingham duck leg with roast potatoes, mulled cabbage, and artichoke purée — or a hearty vegetarian mushroom pithivier.

Dessert: A festive showstopper — Twelfth Night cake with Christmas pudding ice cream or mulled-berry coulis.

And of course, the drinks are pure theatre. The bar serves Victorian-inspired cocktails such as the “Smoking Bishop” (a Dickensian favourite), a warm, spiced, smoky creation that’s Christmas in a glass.

A Night of Story, Spirit, and Splendour

Every element of The Great Christmas Feast is designed to draw you deeper into Dickens’ world. The set changes, the lighting shifts with each ghostly visitation, and the music swells to match the story’s emotion.

Guests find themselves laughing, gasping, and even wiping away the odd tear as Scrooge finds redemption, all while raising a glass of something delicious to the spirit of Christmas.

The production runs for around four hours, and each year it sells out quickly — so early booking is essential.

When and Where

📍 The Lost Estate, 7–9 Beaumont Avenue, West Kensington, London W14 9LP

A short walk from West Kensington or Earl’s Court stations

🎄 2025 Season: 14 November 2025 – 4 January 2026

Tickets: From around £105 for previews to £249 for VIP dining experiences

Book now at christmasfeast.thelostestate.com

Why It’s a Must for Christmas Lovers

For readers of That’s Christmas 365, this event isn’t just another festive night out, it’s a full-scale celebration of Christmas tradition, nostalgia, and theatre.

It captures the spirit of generosity and transformation that defines the season.

It’s beautifully immersive, perfect for those who crave that old-fashioned Christmas feeling.

And it blends storytelling, dining, and music into a once-in-a-lifetime festive memory.

If you’re the sort who keeps Christmas in your heart all year round (and we suspect you are), then this is the event to put on your festive wish list.

Final Dickensian Thoughts

The Great Christmas Feast at The Lost Estate isn’t simply a night out — it’s an act of time travel.

For one evening, you dine with Dickens himself, feel the chill of Marley’s ghost, and watch Scrooge’s heart thaw beside your own. You leave not just well-fed, but full of Christmas spirit, the kind that lasts long after the final bow.

This Christmas, dine in Dickens’ world — and rediscover the joy, warmth, and wonder of the season.

Helping the Homeless at Christmas: A Dickensian Reminder

Image courtesy Gordon Johnson of Pixabay

The festive season is a time of joy, warmth, and giving. Yet, for many, it’s a season of hardship and despair. 

As Charles Dickens poignantly reminds us in A Christmas Carol, the plight of the poor and destitute is especially acute during this time of year.

"At this festive season of the year, Mr. Scrooge," said the gentleman, taking up a pen, "it is more than usually desirable that we should make some slight provision for the Poor and Destitute, who suffer greatly at the present time. Many thousands are in want of common necessaries; hundreds of thousands are in want of common comforts, sir."

These words, though penned in 1843, resonate deeply today. Homelessness remains a pressing issue, with countless individuals facing freezing temperatures, hunger, and isolation during what should be a season of hope.

Why Helping Matters More at Christmas

Christmas amplifies the contrasts in our society. While some of us gather around tables laden with food, others huddle in doorways for warmth. The festive cheer that fills homes can feel like a distant echo for those without one. The cold weather also brings heightened risks, making it vital to extend compassion and practical support.

Practical Ways to Help the Homeless

Donate to Local Charities

Charities dedicated to supporting the homeless often see increased demand during winter. Donations of money, food, clothing, and blankets can make a significant difference. Research local organisations to ensure your contributions are impactful.

Volunteer Your Time

Many shelters and soup kitchens need extra hands during the holiday season. Whether it’s serving meals, sorting donations, or simply offering a friendly conversation, your time can provide much-needed relief.

Support Crisis Services

National organisations like Shelter or Crisis in the UK run Christmas campaigns to provide temporary housing, meals, and support services. Consider supporting these initiatives through donations or fundraising.

Create Care Packages

Assemble small care packages with essentials like socks, gloves, toiletries, and non-perishable snacks. Hand them out personally or deliver them to organisations that distribute such items.

Raise Awareness

Share information about homelessness on social media or within your community. Highlighting the issue can inspire others to take action and support those in need.

Advocate for Change

Addressing homelessness requires systemic solutions. Write to your local MP or councillor, urging them to prioritise affordable housing and support services in your area.

The Spirit of Giving

Dickens’ A Christmas Carol teaches us that redemption lies in generosity and kindness. Ebenezer Scrooge’s transformation from miser to benefactor serves as a timeless reminder of the power of compassion. This Christmas, let us channel that spirit by reaching out to those less fortunate.

As Dickens himself wrote, "No one is useless in this world who lightens the burden of another." By offering a helping hand, we can bring light and warmth to those who need it most, ensuring that the true spirit of Christmas shines brightly for all.

Top Five British Christmas Films to Watch This Festive Season

Christmas in the UK is all about cosy nights in, festive treats, and a good film to set the holiday mood. 

British cinema has produced some of the most heartwarming and iconic Christmas films that capture the magic of the season. 

Whether you're after laughter, nostalgia, or a good cry, these top five British Christmas films are sure to make your holiday merry and bright.

1. Love Actually (2003)

No British Christmas film list is complete without Love Actually. This heartwarming ensemble film weaves together multiple stories of love and connection during the festive season. From Hugh Grant's charming Prime Minister to Emma Thompson's tearful realisation, the film strikes a perfect balance of humour and sentimentality.

Why Watch?

A stellar cast including Alan Rickman, Colin Firth, and Keira Knightley.

Iconic scenes like the cue-card confession and the airport reunion.

A soundtrack filled with festive favourites like “Christmas Is All Around.”

Perfect for: A romantic and feel-good Christmas evening.

2. The Snowman (1982)

This animated classic is a quintessential part of British Christmas tradition. Based on Raymond Briggs’ beloved picture book, the film tells the magical story of a boy who builds a snowman that comes to life. With its hauntingly beautiful score, including the iconic “Walking in the Air,” The Snowman is a must-watch for all ages.

Why Watch?

Timeless animation with no dialogue, making it universally enchanting.

A touching story of friendship and fleeting magic.

Only 26 minutes long, perfect for a cosy Christmas moment.

Perfect for: A nostalgic trip down memory lane with the family.

3. The Holiday (2006)

While half of this film takes place in Los Angeles, the charming Cotswold cottage and quintessentially British setting make The Holiday a Christmas favourite. The story follows two women, played by Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz, who swap homes for the holidays and find unexpected love.

Why Watch?

Idyllic scenes of snowy English countryside.

Jude Law’s heartwarming role as the perfect Christmas gentleman.

A romantic comedy that’s both lighthearted and deeply emotional.

Perfect for: Dreaming of a picturesque countryside Christmas.

4. Nativity! (2009)

This hilarious and heartwarming film centres on a primary school teacher, played by Martin Freeman, who accidentally promises his students that their nativity play will be turned into a Hollywood production. Chaos, laughter, and a lot of charm ensue as he tries to make it happen.

Why Watch?

Endearing performances by children and an improvisational style that feels authentic.

Festive humour with a lot of British charm.

A feel-good ending that captures the joy of Christmas.

Perfect for: A family film night filled with laughter and holiday spirit.

5. Scrooge (1951)

A true classic, this adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol remains one of the most beloved portrayals of Ebenezer Scrooge’s redemption. Starring Alastair Sim in the titular role, Scrooge captures the heart of Dickens’ timeless story with a haunting yet hopeful tone.

Why Watch?

A masterful performance by Alastair Sim as Scrooge.

The perfect mix of eerie and uplifting, staying true to Dickens’ vision.

A reminder of the true spirit of Christmas: generosity and love.

Perfect for: Traditionalists who love a classic Christmas tale.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re snuggling up with loved ones or enjoying some solo downtime, these British Christmas films are the perfect way to embrace the festive spirit. From romantic comedies to animated classics, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Which of these films is your favourite? Or do you have another British Christmas film you’d recommend? Let us know in the comments below!

Ten Film versions of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol

Here’s a curated list of notable film versions of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, each with a brief review highlighting its distinct style and approach:

1. A Christmas Carol (1938) – Dir. Edwin L. Marin

This early MGM adaptation is charming but sanitised. Reginald Owen’s Ebenezer Scrooge is portrayed with a less menacing edge, making the film more family-friendly. 

While the special effects are primitive by today’s standards, it captures the Christmas spirit with warmth and simplicity.

2. Scrooge (1951) – Dir. Brian Desmond Hurst

Often considered one of the best adaptations, this British version stars Alastair Sim as an iconic Scrooge. Sim’s performance is nuanced, blending dark cynicism with a vulnerable redemption arc. The film is atmospheric, with stark black-and-white visuals capturing the Victorian gloom of London.

3. Scrooge (1970) – Dir. Ronald Neame

This musical adaptation, starring Albert Finney, adds a theatrical flair to the classic tale. With a catchy score by Leslie Bricusse, it offers a light-hearted, colourful take on the story. While some find it overly sentimental, Finney’s portrayal of Scrooge is well-regarded, especially during his haunting scenes.

4. A Christmas Carol (1984) – Dir. Clive Donner

George C. Scott delivers a powerful and stern portrayal of Scrooge in this TV movie. The film is faithful to the source material, with a darker, more serious tone. The settings feel authentically Victorian, and Scott’s gradual transformation feels genuinely earned. A more sober, intense version compared to others. You can still see some of the locations used in the film. Learn more here:- https://shorturl.at/u5g3D

5. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) – Dir. Brian Henson

A beloved adaptation for families, this version combines Dickens’ narrative with the humour and heart of the Muppets. Michael Caine plays a surprisingly serious and grounded Scrooge, surrounded by a lively cast of puppet characters. It’s both entertaining and touching, with clever musical numbers and great attention to Dickens' dialogue.

6. A Christmas Carol (1999) – Dir. David Hugh Jones

Patrick Stewart stars in this TV version, bringing gravitas and Shakespearean intensity to Scrooge. The production values are modest, but Stewart’s performance is compelling, especially during his scenes of reflection and regret. It’s a faithful adaptation, appealing for fans of a more straightforward retelling.

7. A Christmas Carol (2009) – Dir. Robert Zemeckis

This motion-capture animated version features Jim Carrey as both Scrooge and several of the ghosts. The CGI animation, while impressive, can feel uncanny at times. The film is visually spectacular, with some darker, more intense scenes that may not be suitable for younger viewers. It stays true to the original text but adds a modern, action-packed twist.

8. Scrooged (1988) – Dir. Richard Donner

This modern retelling stars Bill Murray as a cynical TV executive, Frank Cross, in a loose adaptation of A Christmas Carol. It’s irreverent, witty, and filled with 1980s humour, yet retains the core message of Dickens' original. Murray’s performance is sharp, and the film’s unique take on the classic story is both darkly funny and touching.

9. A Christmas Carol (1935) – Dir. Henry Edwards

This early British adaptation features Sir Seymour Hicks as Scrooge. It’s a relatively simple production, with minimal special effects, but Hicks’ performance as Scrooge is praised for its gritty realism. The film omits some of the supernatural elements but is a historically significant version as one of the earliest sound adaptations.

10. Mister Magoo’s Christmas Carol (1962) – Dir. Abe Levitow

This animated television special is a surprisingly effective adaptation of the classic tale. While it features the bumbling Mr Magoo in the lead role, it balances humour with the original story’s heart and moral lessons. The musical numbers add a fun element, and it remains a nostalgic favourite for many viewers.

Honourable Mention: Blackadder’s Christmas Carol (1988)

While not a straightforward adaptation, this British TV special is a clever inversion of the original story, with Rowan Atkinson’s Blackadder playing a kind man who, after visions of a cruel future, decides to embrace selfishness. It’s a sharp, satirical take that’s beloved by fans of British humour.

Each of these versions brings its own style and interpretation to Dickens’ timeless Christmas story, from traditional retellings to more whimsical or satirical takes.

My wife and I have watched all of the above versions, our favourites are the 1951 and the 1984 versions. 

For your Christmas viewing pleasure here is the 1935 version of A Christmas Carol starring Seymour Hicks:-