What is the Ghost of Christmas Present like?

He is a cheerful giant in a green robe with a holly crown. He sits among piles of Christmas food and carries a torch that spreads kindness.

What are Ignorance and Want?

They are two thin, ragged children hidden under the Ghost’s robe. He tells Scrooge to beware them both, to show that people suffer when others ignore their needs.

Where does the Ghost of Christmas Present take Scrooge?

He takes Scrooge through busy streets to the Cratchits’ home, to Fred’s party and to places where people far away still celebrate Christmas.

From A Christmas Carol

Ghost of Christmas Present

Second spirit • A jolly giant

A giant, laughing spirit who shows Scrooge all the joy and warmth happening right now.

Who is Ghost of Christmas Present?

The Ghost of Christmas Present is a laughing giant in a green fur robe, with a holly crown and a glowing torch shaped like a horn. He fills Scrooge’s room with a feast, then shows him how people are celebrating Christmas right now, from busy London streets to the Cratchits’ cozy kitchen and Fred’s merry party. He cares most of all about people who are poor.

Ghost of Christmas Present is a character in A Christmas Carol, the 1843 novel by Charles Dickens, retold for ages 6–9 by Sean Lee.

What is Ghost of Christmas Present like?

Joyful
Warm
Generous

Ghost of Christmas Present’s story

The second spirit is a jolly giant who sits on a heap of Christmas food in Scrooge’s room: turkeys, puddings, oranges and glowing fruit. He wears a simple green robe with white fur, a holly wreath, and has an old rusty scabbard with no sword. When Scrooge nervously says he will learn whatever the spirit has to teach, the Ghost takes him out over the city.

The Ghost shows Scrooge Christmas as it is happening now. Busy streets and shops are full of good cheer. His torch sprinkles kindness on quarrelling people. He visits a miner’s family, sailors at a lonely lighthouse, and Fred’s party. He takes Scrooge to the Cratchits, where a family of very little means makes a joyful dinner out of a goose and a small pudding, and where Tiny Tim is full of thanks.

Near the end, the Ghost seems to grow older, since his life lasts only one Christmas day. From under his robe he shows two thin, frightened children, Ignorance and Want, and warns Scrooge to beware of them both. Then the clock strikes twelve and the spirit fades away, leaving Scrooge to wait for the third visitor.

“I am the Ghost of Christmas Present”

the Ghost of Christmas Present, introducing himself to Scrooge. From the original 1843 novel by Charles Dickens.

A moment to remember

When two workmen start shouting in the street, the spirit sprinkles shining drops from his torch, and they laugh and shake hands instead.

Ebenezer Scrooge: the man he teaches
Bob Cratchit: the clerk whose dinner he shows
Tiny Tim: the boy he shows Scrooge
Fred: the nephew whose party he shows
Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come: the next spirit to visit

Talk about it

The spirit’s torch turned grumpy people cheerful. What are some ways you can help two friends who are arguing make up?

Questions about Ghost of Christmas Present

What is the Ghost of Christmas Present like?: He is a cheerful giant in a green robe with a holly crown. He sits among piles of Christmas food and carries a torch that spreads kindness.
What are Ignorance and Want?: They are two thin, ragged children hidden under the Ghost’s robe. He tells Scrooge to beware them both, to show that people suffer when others ignore their needs.
Where does the Ghost of Christmas Present take Scrooge?: He takes Scrooge through busy streets to the Cratchits’ home, to Fred’s party and to places where people far away still celebrate Christmas.