In 1843, Charles Dickens wrote "A Christmas Carol" as a response to the growing commercialization of Christmas, which he saw as a negative influence on the holiday's true meaning. He wanted to remind people of the importance of kindness, compassion, and charity during the festive season. The story tells the tale of a miserable old man, Ebenezer Scrooge, who is visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve, and their visits change him for the better.