The White Christmas and other Merry Christmas Plays

by Walter Ben Hare

Ghost. Without their visits, you cannot hope to escape my fate. Expect the first when the bell tolls one.

Scrooge. Couldn't I take it all at once and have it over, Jacob?

Ghost. Remember my warning, heed the message and you may yet be saved. My time is over. (Chains rattle.) Farewell, farewell, farewell! (Loud crash of thunder. Light is quenched and Ghost exits unseen by audience.)

Pause. The bell tolls one. Enter Spirit of Christmas Past from R. She comes down R. Strong white light on her from R.

Scrooge (trembling). Are you the Spirit whose coming was foretold to me?

First Spirit. I am.

Scrooge. Who and what are you?

First Spirit. I am the Ghost of Christmas Past.

Scrooge. Long past?

First Spirit. No, your past.