a christmas carol stave 2 summary

Stave 2 of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" describes Ebenezer Scrooge's return home from the office. He is met by his nephew, Fred, who invites him to a Christmas party. Scrooge rejects the invitation and dismisses Christmas as a "humbug". Fred responds with a passionate defense of Christmas and its values, which Scrooge dismisses as foolish. This encounter further cements Scrooge's disdain for the holiday and its celebrations.