Chapter 5 – The End of It

Scrooge woke up suddenly. His bed curtains were still there—no one had stolen them. The sunlight was bright, and the bells were ringing.

“I’m alive!” Scrooge shouted with joy. “The spirits have done it all in one night! I can change my future!”

He ran to the window and called to a boy in the street. “What day is it?”

“Why, it’s Christmas Day!” the boy answered.

Scrooge laughed. “Then I haven’t missed it!” He told the boy to go to the butcher and buy the biggest turkey. “Take it to Bob Cratchit’s house,” he said, and gave the boy money.

Scrooge dressed in his best clothes and went into the streets, smiling at everyone. People were surprised to see him so cheerful. He walked to his nephew Fred’s house and knocked on the door.

“May I come in?” Scrooge asked. Fred welcomed him warmly, and they all enjoyed a wonderful Christmas dinner together.

The next morning, Scrooge was at his office early. When Bob Cratchit came in late, Scrooge pretended to be angry. “I won’t stand for this!” he said seriously—then broke into a smile. “I’m raising your salary!”

Bob was shocked, but Scrooge told him he would help his family and take care of Tiny Tim.

From that day, Scrooge kept his promise. He became a good friend, a kind employer, and a generous man. Tiny Tim lived and grew strong.

Scrooge was loved by everyone, and people said he knew how to keep Christmas better than anyone. And so, as Tiny Tim said:

“God bless us, everyone!”