The Messed Up Origins of A Christmas Carol | Classics Explained - Jon Solo

It's a Messed Up Christmas Special and we're breakin' down the dark and twisted origins of Charles Dickens's "A Christmas Carol"! Sit back, relax, and learn about how Victorian England's disgusting treatment of the poor inspired the greatest Christmas novel of all time! ಠ_ಠ
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▼ Timestamps ▼
» 0:00 - Intro
» 1:40 - A Christmas Carol
» 2:33 - Stave One: Marley's Ghost
» 5:45 - Stave Two: The First Spirit
» 8:13 - Stave Three: The Second Spirit
» 11:17 - Stave Four: The Final Spirit
» 13:19 - Stave Five: The End of It
» 15:03 - Origins/Inspiration
» 18:49 - Composition and Publication
» 21:50 - Impact
» 23:36 - Outro
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▼ Resources ▼
» my favorites: messeduporigins.com/books
» Charles Dickens's "A Christmas Carol": www.sparknotes.com/lit/christ...
» en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Chris...
» The Origins of A Christmas Carol: • The origins of A Chris...
» Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol In Context: • Charles Dickens' A Chr...
▼ Art Sources ▼
» The art in the thumbnail was provided by the great and powerful Markus Stadlober! Check out more of his incredible work here: www.artstation.com/elderscroller
▼ Music Sources ▼
» REVEALING MY INTRO SONG! goo.gl/Z9eHu1
» Background Music: Killing Time Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
» If I used your art in any portion of this video please send a message to my business email with proof that you're the original artist so I can give you credit!
#MessedUpOrigins #AChristmasCarol #ChristmasSpecial

[@JonSolo]

Thanks for watching, Solo Fam! Here's hoping you enjoy this special Christmas episode! I'm going to go drink some eggnog and contemplate human existence now. 🎅

[@theraccoonwhotriedtowashco6194]

merry christmas!!! love ur videos bro

[@happypappy1560]

Merry Christmas, thanks for the upload...

[@trstmeimlyin686]

Jon do The Little Match Girl

[@skywarp1216]

Keep the beard. it really suits your baby face!

[@randomanimations1621]

Merry Christmas 🙂

[@sonjawetzel1256]

Why isn't this man on tv or netflix. Get Jon a research team, editors, and a set. I could watch him break down any story. xoxoxo Jon Solo.

[@tymirejenkins7316]

I would love watching that show ❤🔥

[@ShanniTae]

I would love to have him be even more well known, successful, and put out more content. However, I think part of why he's so amazing is that he really puts HIS all into his content. It makes me appreciate his work even more🎄💛

[@janekim1091]

omg that'd be amazing

[@jaimeeleebaggley]

I know, Jon is incredible. I hope he always has opportunity to influence society.

[@heathermassie6258]

If he could make it a good 20 to 30 minutes, he'd have a good show to offer networks.

[@AnimaMandala]

Most versions I've seen only tell the audience of Tiny Tim's death by showing the Cratchit family in mourning. But in "Mickey's Christmas Carol", we actually see them gathered at his gravestone, laying down his crutch. It's brief, with no dialog, but more poignant, and always held more of an impact to me.

[@matilde_5]

I- Ouch... That’s actually so much more sad-

[@Silver_Sonic_23]

Yeah that is worse.

[@heathermassie6258]

I've seen that one; it's a good one.

[@Silver_Sonic_23]

@@heathermassie6258 So have I.

[@artlover5060]

My first thought as a kid was "That wasn't very Disney of you"

[@Dove77879]

This one was less of a "messed up" origin and far more of an "origin born of good intention" and I like that.

[@ChakChakGuy]

the biggest surprise for me when reading the story was that the second ghost takes him on a huge journey (A hospital, a ship in the midle of the ocean,....) showing him how even in the hardest and saddest places in the world christmas can bring happiness (and also emphasizes that these places exist) and that part is cut out of pretty much every single adaption I've seen so so far. Even this analysis. The only adaption that doesn't ignore it completely is the muppets version, which at least shortly pans to a hospital during one of the musical numbers

[@oscarosullivan4513]

A Lighthouse as well

[@jbarlow3800]

The version starring Patrick Stewart does a great job of showing this long journey, with different characters singing "Silent Night" in different languages

[@micaylab1]

The section with Christmas Future is the most Gothic storytelling.

[@Hinatachan360]

I like the versions where the ghost of Christmas Yet to Come doesn't speak. Makes it a lot creepier.

[@mo0nflowersart]

One of the darkest scenes I've ever read.

[@tijanamilenkovic3425]

@@mo0nflowersart what do you think about The Messed Up Origins of Puppy in my pocket adventures in Pocketville and My Little Pony Friendship is Magic

[@KirstenMarie_MS3]

@@tijanamilenkovic3425 I think I'm missing something... 🤔

[@taqresu5865]

Excuse me for being a little nerdy, but your comment is more true than you realize, Gothic (at least in terms of architecture) and A Christmas Carol have something both in in common, they both have deeply Christian origins, even to the point that the bells ringing to bring about each Ghost resounded from Gothic Cathedrals.

[@DamonNomad82]

As a kid, I imagined the Ghost of Christmas Present as being a specter made from torn wrapping paper, discarded ribbons, and empty boxes.

[@jazzyethecrimefighter]

Wow thats really creative

[@danae5578]

Lollll I love that

[@princesslisamarie7860]

Cool idea!

[@devinlabuda5713]

Thats brilliant

[@demonspawn5797]

Wow just wow

[@christianmarshal6117]

Scrooge actually begins to piece together he’s the dead guy fairly quickly but out of fear he goes into a state of denial trying to convince himself it isn’t so.

[@DrDolan2000]

I wouldn't want to believe I'm dead, either. At least not before the age of, say, 87

[@christianmarshal6117]

@@DrDolan2000 it wasn’t just the fact that he was dead, it was the ghost of Christmas future so the fact he was going to die at some point in the future was less cause for convenes then an undeniable fact. The thing that scared him is the fact that there’s be no one to miss him. He would die alone and unloved people joking and laughing about how much they’re NOT going to miss him and his entire life boils down to this small patch of dirt and a slab of rock with his na e on it and no one who cares enough to visit or tend to them.

[@DrDolan2000]

+@@christianmarshal6117 Yeah, that makes it even worse. I would rather die young and be remembered fondly

[@leighlowe1069]

I don't think it's the being dead, he knows he's going to die. Dying & no-one caring is the issue

[@apollostemple8304]

I love where stories that even "death" herself tells you to appreciate life.

[@sandradermark8463]

Like Terry Pratchett's

[@thepoisonalex]

“There’s one guy you can’t help but think of when you think of someone with a lack of holiday cheer” Me: The Grinch! ...oh.. you said Scrooge

[@deborahalili2826]

Hahah I did the same thing 😂

[@moethedog6816]

Next year he should do the origins of the grinch!

[@aangitano]

Same

[@pepsimax6671]

Isnt the grinch a copywrite of the christmas carol ?

[@moethedog6816]

@@pepsimax6671 I’m not sure?

[@Ang-ang-]

“Imagine all of your devices go off” me with my iPhone, iPad, MacBook and Apple Watch when I get a call 👁👄👁

[@albatross1688]

That line made me imagine what the modern equivalent of that scene would look like, and it's quite fascinating.

[@TheTaylorwailer]

The chorus of sounds when a single email comes in.

[@tijanamilenkovic3425]

@@albatross1688 what do you think about The Messed Up Origins of these: Street Fighter Ranma 1/2 Dragon Ball Naruto Shippuden Overlord Kanokon King Of Fighters Inuyasha Yu Yu Hakusho Shaman King Sailor Moon Tokyo Mew Mew Pichi Pichi Mermaid Melody Blue Dragon Highschool D x D Rosario + Vampire Sarazanmai Demon Slayer Kimetsu No Yaiba Ge Ge Ge No Kitarou Senran Kagura Kengan Ashura Pokemon Digimon Yu Gi Oh Yo Kai Watch All of these are for the new series called Anime Explained

[@tijanamilenkovic3425]

@@albatross1688 what do you think about The Messed Up Origins of these: Angel's Friends Puppy in my pocket Adventures in Pocketville Gwenereve and the Jewel Riders My Little Pony Friendship is Magic

[@albatross1688]

@@tijanamilenkovic3425 I'm sure there are some interesting origins behind many of these. Jon has said he's not into anime so I doubt he would be the one to do it, but someone should. Actually, Yo Kai Watch has roots in Japanese mythology, which might be a worthy mythology explained series.

[@ubtpixielox]

My strongest memory of this story is reading it to my little sister as a child. We spent probably half an hour just reading and rereading the very first line, "Marley was dead", and laughing hysterically at it. Good times... X,D good times...

[@christianmarshal6117]

The Ghost of Christmas Present doesn’t really definitively say that Tiny Tim will die. He tells Ebenezer “That is the future... my power lies in the present. But I do see a vacant seat where Tiny Tim once sat and a crutch without an owner carefully preserved in the poor chimney corner. If these visions remain unaltered by the future then yes, the boy will die.” and then he decides to really hit Scrooge with a guilt trip gut punch by saying, “But if he’s going to die then he’d better do it, and decrease... ‘the surplus population’.” Ooo direct hit!

[@michaelpalmieri7335]

Only this video makes it sound like the Spirit was repeating Scrooge's "surplus population" remark while he was showing him the two children representing "Ignorance" and "Want."

[@christianmarshal6117]

@@michaelpalmieri7335 I’ve seen multiple versions of this story including a written script from an English textbook. Hitting Scrooge with his own cruel words was in every last one of them!

[@michaelpalmieri7335]

@@christianmarshal6117 I know that, since I read the story myself, and I've seen several movies and TV shows based on it. But, what I'm trying to say is that this video makes it sound like the Ghost of Christmas Past was repeating Scrooge's cruel remark about how the poor should all die and "decrease the surplus population" while he was showing Scrooge the two children representing "Want" and "Ignorance." This is not so, because in that scene, the Ghost repeats the "surplus population" quote when he and Scrooge are watching the Cracitit family's Christmas dinner and Scrooge becomes aware of Tiny Tim's disability and his sicknesses and asks the Ghost of the Present whether or not the boy will live.

[@christianmarshal6117]

@@michaelpalmieri7335 yes I see what you’re saying now. My mistake

[@michaelpalmieri7335]

@@christianmarshal6117 Hey, no sweat, Christian.

[@hayden1351]

In high school, I got the honor of playing the ghost of christmas present, with the big green robes and holly crown and everything! It was the favorite role I ever got to play!

[@toker6664]

Christmas present has to be a Green man reference, he's natures bounty a very Pagen diety

[@kathleenmcconaha5608]

I was ghost of Christmas past + a dancer

[@kallen868]

I've played Fezziwig!

[@Alexis_Nemesis189]

I also got to play the ghost of Christmas present, however, it was in middle school. I had the crown, and a big red cape. And the hilarious part is that I was (and still am) so very short and small.

[@amarpreetkaur6319]

I had to study this novella for my English GCSE. Ansolutely loved it.

[@belmer73]

I would love to hear about the origins of Lord of the Flies

[@miiickiiieee]

that would slap

[@CailinnNoT]

Yeah sameeeee

[@catster1941]

Its such a great book with some great secrets in it. I would love to see that

[@DamonNomad82]

"Lord of the Flies" is basically a satirical inversion of "The Coral Island", a popular Victorian era novel that depicted a group of idealized boys remaining upbeat and "civilised" despite being stranded on a deserted island for months. It would be great to see Jon going in-depth about that.

[@tijanamilenkovic3425]

@@DamonNomad82 what do you think about The Messed Up Origins of Puppy in my pocket adventures in Pocketville

[@lisanidog8178]

Scrooge's dad wasn't so keen on Scrooge whose mother died in childbirth. But he eventually changes his mind and sends Fan to retrieve him.

[@melissacooper4282]

Don't forget that later on in Scrooge's life Ebeneezer didn't feel keen towards his own nephew Fred because his mother, Scrooge's sister Fan died in childbirth.

[@lisanidog8178]

@@melissacooper4282 yup I remember. And Fred held no grudge and still invited him to dinner despite being ignored until the spirits changed his mind and he made up with Fred and incited himself to dinner much to Fred's delight.

[@michaelpalmieri7335]

@@lisanidog8178 *invited

[@michaelpalmieri7335]

Actually, the novel doesn't say anything about Scrooge's father being mean to him because his wife, Scrooge's mother, died in childbirth, or about Scrooge behaving in the same way as his father after his sister, Fan, passed away while giving birth to her son, Fred, Scrooge's nephew. The only indication of Scrooge Sr.'s meanness is when young Fan visits her brother, Ebenezer, at boarding school and tells him "Father is so much nicer now, and home is like Heaven," and then adds that their father said that young Scrooge should definitely come home for the holidays, and was never to come back to the horrible boarding school, which was falling apart anyway. The only film version of this story that mentions both Scrooge's mother and sister dying in childbirth was the one from 1951 with Alastair Sim as Scrooge. It relates specifically how the old man's mom died giving birth to him, thus making his dad hate his own son, and how his sister passed away under similar circumstances while giving life to Fred, which made Scrooge detest his own nephew, which means that the old man is basically repeating the cruel behavior of his dad. As I pointed out before in a post that was a response to a KZbin video of the 1935 movie "Scrooge," with Sir Seymour Hicks in the title role, this could be the equivalent of an abused child who grows to be an abuser of his own kids, because he grew up believing that such behavior was "normal" and that those who love you are those who BEAT YOU! There's one thing I don't understand; if Scrooge's mother died in childbirth, and Fan was his YOUNGER SISTER, then WHO WAS FAN'S MOTHER?

[@lisanidog8178]

@@michaelpalmieri7335 Scrooge's late mother who is never mentioned. Loved the 1951 version. Alistair Sim was the best Scrooge. Did you ever see Cicely Tyson's Ebeneeza Scrooge with Katherine Helman? That's not shown often. Patrick Stewart's Scrooge was decent. Never did see what's his name, who played Patton, Scrooge. Alistair Sim was the very first A Christmas Carol I saw.

[@kittycodding4183]

I was waiting for this video. I adopted a family for Christmas. This year they had a rough time like many other families and I wanted to help them personally. One child even has a Christmas birthday so we went all in to make it special. I hope to keep doing it every year. This is the second year in a row and I'm fortunate to be able to do something like that and still live comfortably.

[@makiroll218]

You adopted a child or a whole family? That’s amazing

[@kittycodding4183]

@@makiroll218 a family. Not really adopted. We asked for their wishlists and bought them all gifts. We are doing it again this year for a different family.

[@judahcatherine]

I’ve always loved the version with Patrick Stewart as Scrooge. Something about the hardened exterior slowly cracking was so vulnerable and human to me. His “laughing” sequence after the ghosts have visited him is an absolute joy.

[@2323BlackCat]

On point, me too.

[@bluewolf993]

I’m a big Patrick Stewart fan but my interest is more as a Sex God than a Good Actor. Because of the character played, understandably that movie was more Good Actor.

[@erictaylor5462]

"The book was written to make change, not money" Shows a picture of change with a big red X. LOL

[@Rileyw239]

We’re Marley and Marley bawaahhh The Muppet Christmas Carol is iconic.

[@psgamer-0199]

Thanks, Jon for reminding me that I have a soul. I actually teared up by the end of the story. Merry Christmas, everyone.

[@like90]

I’m literally watching the muppet Christmas carol movie right now.

[@nightfallalicorn4246]

Still one of the best for me. I just wish they didn't ruin the newer releases by cropping out The Love is Gone song when Belle dumps Scrooge.

[@spynx3167]

@@nightfallalicorn4246 belle

[@nickimontie]

My favorite Christmas movie!

[@princesslisamarie7860]

@@nightfallalicorn4246 Agreed! It really shows old Scrooges grief

[@javelinXH992]

The Muppet version is canon. 😊

[@adamlanger3895]

For "Classics Explained" Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. Plenty of dirty jokes.

[@DeirdreRoxanne]

I second wholeheartedly.

[@bitchimgordie]

Omg yes!

[@vladtheimpala5532]

Excellent suggestion.

[@angelica23luna90]

I agree!! I'm reading that in my Brit Lit class

[@justathought256]

Hey as a US Marine and actually worked in the Toys for Tots wear house handing out toys, I want to thank you for your donation not matter how long ago, I know you didn't get a chance to see the smile and relief on the parents faces, I'm hear to tell you the whole experience was great because of people like you. Thanks man

[@philhatch483]

Thank you.

[@lilydeboda6969]

Every Christmas, my dad used to bring me and my sister to A Christmas Carol play that they did annually in our city. I used to be so scared of it because it started off in a graveyard and Jacob Marley does this jumpscare out of his coffin. Then also there's the part where the ghost of Christmas future shows up. They had this huge cloaked thing hang from the ceiling, and for a child, that's traumatic lol.

[@Chesh89]

I would LOVE classics explained. There's a lot that would fall into the messed up categories such as Lord of the Flies, Animal Farm, and 1984

[@sherimasherian5308]

Me: See’s Jon’a beard Also Me: He’s giving me Jafar vibes

[@heathermassie6258]

Peach fuzz. Lol.

[@papercut89]

I remember seeing the Disney version the first when I was a little child, maybe thirty years ago. I loved the story and my uncle recorded the Muppet version for me a few years later and loved the story even more. Now that I'm at this point I took as a tradition to listen the original Christmas Carol as an audiobook. It has become very important to me and represents the actual meaning of Christmas: generosity and love for others. Also, I always cry when Tiny Tim steps in the story.

[@isaaccabal7054]

Not gonna lie, I’m watching this at night by myself in a big house. I didn’t know about the two children under the present spirit. So I kinda freaked out when I saw them. Lol

[@Annixandra]

thank you for donating to toys for tots. if it weren't for my in-laws sending my husband and i money we would not have been able to have a Xmas this year, i know others don't have somebody like my in-laws and are very thankful for toys for tots so from a parent who understands where those parents are at thank you Jon

[@klow12370]

Thanks for doing this vid, Jon. As a Litt major, this ranked #1 on my fave classic novels because it’s visceral, inspiring, hurtful and entertaining at the same time. This novel changed me a lot and I play it’s movie version every Christmas for my niece and nephews to watch. I’m glad to see them tear and smile watching it coz that’s what Dickens really wanted his readers to feel- to show empathy to others.

[@dredayalldayerday]

My favorite Christmas Carol is with Vanessa Williams playing Ebony Scrooge

[@vanguardplays3418]

something I always loved about A Christmas Carol was even though Scrooge had all that money he barley spent it showing he just loved the idea of having money that he worked hard to get.

[@marybaldwin5944]

Also, that despite all his money, he was very poor.

[@vanguardplays3418]

@@marybaldwin5944 isn't that what I said when I said he barley spent it

[@DamonNomad82]

Scrooge was the textbook definition of a miser.

[@wolfzmusic9706]

@@vanguardplays3418 no. keeping money cuz you feel like it is different to being poor

[@biancabrooks280]

My favorite version is always going to be The Muppets Christmas Carol. No cap.

[@earnestbrown6524]

My version is only a few lines but Data as Scrooge.

[@jirocunningham-stevenson7296]

It's my mums favorite as well

[@AlyRoad]

seen the one where The Fanz plays Scrooge lol? That ones interesting.

[@earnestbrown6524]

@@AlyRoad You mean The Fonz. But yes that the petty neat.

[@hopegrimsley3427]

Michael Caine is the best Scrooge, hands down

[@mlz4467]

Me literally crying : "I'm not emotionally fragile"

[@EBThisThat]

The true definitions of Want and Ignorance I found as fascinating. I always felt they were pointing out man's flaw of ignorance and want in any day and age (I took it literally) but understanding the time in which it was written makes it all that much richer and interesting. Thank you for covering this ! I always loved the musical, the comedy Scrooged, Mickey's Christmas Carol, the Muppet Christmas Carol and of course, the one starring Jim Carrey (it is the most iconic role he's played other than Mr. Pickles).

[@APoliticalConfusionAndMess]

My father had a copy of this which he read me every year at Christmas as a child, translating the harder Victorian English to Modern slang. I miss that old punk.

[@laurenhodges6411]

He sounds awesome!

[@APoliticalConfusionAndMess]

@@laurenhodges6411 He was. He committed suicide in May of 2015...(I had just turned 15) 😔 His death and the suddeness of it really did a number on my own mental health. I was literally the type of kid who tried to make their parents happy (for me it was mostly drawing Halloween-type characters), and he tried to do the same (buying Bratz and Barbies from Salvation Army/Value Village, with a very select few coming from actual stores).

[@casparjackson4075]

MERRY CHRISTMAS SOLOCUPS! MAY ODIN GIVE YA ALL YOUR DESIRES! Have a happy yule!

[@kimberleyfallon9661]

Skal!

[@crunchybubblewrap]

Not a related reply but your profile picture is kewl 😄

[@kimberleyfallon9661]

@@crunchybubblewrap Skal is a viking way of saying cheers!

[@tijanamilenkovic3425]

@@kimberleyfallon9661 what do you think about The Messed Up Origins of Puppy in my pocket adventures in Pocketville, My Little Pony Friendship is Magic, Pokemon and Digimon

[@jirocunningham-stevenson7296]

Happy Yule!

[@matthewtaylor744]

1984 would be a great book for Classics Explained. First off, it's a freaking master piece, I read it while taking a course on Sociology and it blew my mind how well Orwell understood it all before that science was even really cemented. Secondly, it has a lot to do with his being a Socialist, and how many felt that Stalin Betrayed the Resolution, and the fear of Totalitarian states that the USSR and Nazi Germany created (and whose impact can also be seen in many other books of the time, like Brave New World, and Dune). Orwell himself read an interesting life. He served as a kind of sheriff in east Asia for a while. There's a short story, a memoir, out there about an event during that time that particularly stuck out to him involving an Elephant. Basically, the man had pretty highly advanced world view and understanding of people, and it's all on display in 1984. I had to skim the last chapter because I thought it was going to drive me insane. It's a wild fucking book man.

[@Pearlruby718]

My favorite movie version is 1938, with Reginald Owens as Scrooge. It has a mix of color and black and white. It also sticks very closely to the book.

[@playwright82]

People seem to be more generous this year. We usually do a collection at work for toys for handicapped children (I think its called Nathan's Kids). They usually give us a large box that gets a few toys. This year they gave us a small box that they had to come and empty at least once a week from all the donations received. It was crazy and so opposite of what usually happens.

[@plantarecoolaf3915]

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE

[@Griffnix]

BA HUMBUG!

[@kevinstewart1874]

@@Griffnix merry Christmas brother or sister

[@plantarecoolaf3915]

@@Griffnix by christmas morning that will turn into a whoop hallo mr scrooge :)

[@kevinstewart1874]

@@plantarecoolaf3915 and a Merry Christmas to u

[@Moonberry.]

MERRY CHRISTMAS 🎄🎄

[@moonstonepearl21]

I never knew all of the background behind Charles Dickens writing this. I am so glad you went into all this. Mad respect to him for speaking out about such a serious problem in society. Speaking out can be very scary, since you never know how people are going to react. That was so amazing he stood up for what was right. He was a really good person.

[@sammylane21]

You know what would be an interesting version of Charles Dicken's "A CHRISTMAS CAROL"?? How a version seen through the eyes ole Bob Marley as he recounts to us how he got here and will happen to him after Scrooge's tale ends, we could call "THE TRAGEDY OF BOB MARLEY: A CHRISTMAS CAROL". Maybe this could be a new holiday classic?

[@princerooster1468]

Classics Explained would be a cool series. I love "A Christmas Carol" and I read it every year. I enjoyed this video. My favorite adaptations are the Muppet Christmas Carol Mickey's Christmas Carol and the George C. Scott version.

[@asknightmareluna6445]

Merry Christmas Solo cups. “Good will to all and to all a good night.” - ‘Twas the night before Christmas.

[@dianewood2430]

I thought 💭 Happy 😃 Christmas 🎄 to all”

[@Forsaken_Blood]

Merry Christmas Man

[@rmcshan870]

Thank you for donating to Toys for Tots. I used to be one of those children waiting in line with my mama to get gifts for Christmas. Christmas wasn’t always a things for us growing up. Now I am old, I consistently bring Christmas to my family and donate religiously. Merry Christmas Jon Solo and thank you again.

[@dormammusofat]

I remember when I watched A Christmas Carol (cartoon) for the first time and how I could’ve sworn I passed out, Context: this was back when Disney used to play those really old movies in the middle of the night (when I was supposed to be asleep) and so when I was switching the channels AS SOON as I got to Disney Channel the first thing that popped up on my screen was the ghost of Christmas Future... Because I didn’t know exactly what I was watching I thought the Grim Reaper had come to take me away☹️

[@silvercrystalrose28]

Jon solo please do a messed up origin of the Nutcracker if there is one.

[@kingemo7806]

Lol I made my own version up since he didn't do one yet I'm sure he might do one

[@tijanamilenkovic3425]

@@kingemo7806 what do you think about The Messed Up Origins of Trevor Henderson or SCP foundation

[@kingemo7806]

@@tijanamilenkovic3425 who mans is that? And i never looked into the scp thing

[@liathepurplegalactichybrid3321]

YEEAHH !!!!

[@silvercrystalrose28]

@@kingemo7806 I know a little bit about SCP. I was thinking maybe that it could be more helpful during either summer vacation or Halloween or at least during the middle of the Autumn season if Jon solo can make a messed up origin video about an SCP if there is one.

[@composing-chaos]

My favorite, “Scrooge” with Albert Finney, 1970. We watch it every Christmas Eve. Watched it tonight. It brings up memories of the many views with my father. So many great scenes, good music, and lines. Just, the best.

[@TheRealNormanBates]

I think it’s the only version (for me) that depicts Scrooge as just a lonely kid trapped in an ever decrepifying body. It seems all of the rest depict Scrooge as someone who _enjoys_ being a miser and tormentor of others.

[@elf6460]

I would LOVEa classics explained series! You could do so many classics! Like black beauty, secret garden, A little Princess, Oliver Twist, The Iliad, Tale of Genji ect!

[@miamaria3043]

I absolutely love this!! Thank you! You should do "The Color Purple" it's an amazing tell of survival.

[@diealdevassy6110]

There's also a Barbie version of the Christmas Carol staring barbie as Eden Starling ( Ebenezer Scrooge ) and I like it

[@jamellfoster6029]

Wow... I want to watch that since my hubby calls me Barbie (a very smart Barbie)...

[@reneeminaj2587]

@@jamellfoster6029 it’s on hulu

[@reneeminaj2587]

It’s on Hulu if u want to watch it

[@jamellfoster6029]

@@reneeminaj2587 cool

[@doritos4956]

And a my little pony one

[@dragolingrand8607]

If you make it a series I want you to look at Tolkien’s work.

[@AlyRoad]

Specially his other books besides the Lord of the Rings

[@dragolingrand8607]

Or The Hobbit.

[@Luigiawesome13]

I absolutely second this.

[@lisalundquist1083]

I absolutely loved this episode, thank you soooo much for your wonderful channel! Also I love this story so much I have made it my lot in life to see every version. THANK YOU AGAIN ❤

[@bobbytrevino2066]

I love how your meticulous in these stories ❤️ you do research and paint a picture for us, and have a great voice, sound like a radio voice that everyone loves to hear 😀, AND the Muppets do a great job of doing this story if you haven't already seen it

[@sydneyfitch7495]

Big yes to a Classics Explained series! I would love to see videos for The Picture of Dorian Gray, Wuthering Heights, or Jane Eyre. Also Merry Christmas Everyone!!!

[@jenneacubero1036]

So...which is more depressing, "Christmas Carol", "The Little Match Girl", or "Dog Of Flanders"? Anyway, Dickens would've hated today's worldview where we share the same views of that "Population" guy. We often pass over beggars thinking there're all a bunch of wasteful addicts or panhandlers. Often blaming the poor for their own misfortune as if we're omnipresent. Meanwhile, how would Dickens feel about KZbin's relationship with fair use?

[@Fionnfitheach]

My daughter always wanted me to read her The Little Matchstick Girl because it made me cry throughout and every time. So that gets my vote

[@pepsimax6671]

we treat animals better than the poor.

[@ellefanning6585]

the little matchstick girl was definitely the saddest one. i haven't read it in forever but i can remember it clearly.

[@classicstorm]

Not everyone so don't say we or the worldview of today...its the same people as he wrote in his story....if you are passing people on the street that need help well that's on you bruh...

[@natsuki7325]

@@classicstorm have you given anything to the homeless/ I don’t believe you didn’t pass a homeless person at least once

[@AlyRoad]

I love the idea of Classics Explained. Too many good books that inspired modern authors are forgotten simply because "theyre old". :(

[@Toriislaw]

When he said he spilled soup on his copy I lost it😂😂😂

[@antilikka]

I love that u included the movie “Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol”, I watched it and honestly loved it so much! Dan Stevens was great as Charles Dickens!

[@riffonacrisis]

Jon: **posts this video** Me: **was watching "Barbie in A Christmas Carol" when the notification popped up** weird coincidence, I like it But anyway, Merry Christmas from the Philippines! 🎄

[@isabelladaydream1755]

Lol. Merry Christmas, fellow pinoy!

[@aylapias9087]

Aaaa pinoy ka rinn 🤩. I watched Barbie in A Christmas Carol the other day too akdjaka

[@catster1941]

Id love to hear about Mary Shellys Frankenstein. It is one of my all time favorite stories ever. I read it to one of my individuals I care for, and they really loved it too.

[@michelealthens]

Jon, thank you so much for all your hard work in making these videos. Your fun personality, kindness, and overall comedic nature is such a joy to watch. You always put a smile on our faces, make us laugh, and bring joy and positivity to our day! Keep it up sir. You are awesome! 😃☺️

[@ArseneLupln]

I love that you donated to them because as a kid we were so broke and still broke that we couldn’t afford food let alone presents, were all homeless and had to live with auntie for a year and having people give us gifts really helped us keep our spirit alive and makes us feel happy so stuff like that hits home😊

[@QueenCityHistory]

As a Jew I still watch Mickeys Christmas Carol every year...as I have every year since I was a kid. Even with Christmas aside, it's a great story

[@kenhollis6197]

Of course. I'm a Pagan, but there are still wonderful Christmas stories and such. Happy Hanukkah, by the way.

[@albatross1688]

@@kenhollis6197 Given that traditions such as togetherness merriment, gift giving and putting up Christmas trees are rooted in the ancient Roman festivals of Saturnalia and the winter solstice, that side of the Christmas holiday should be right up your alley then.

[@kenhollis6197]

@@albatross1688 You are correct, but I pay virtually no attention to Christmas. I observe the Solstice, and have no friends or family nearby who make a to do about Christmas, so I just kind of ignore it.

[@QueenCityHistory]

@@kenhollis6197 thank you!! Have a great holiday season as well!

[@nyxspiritsong5557]

I love the Mickey Christmas Carol!!! Watch it every year since I was a kid!

[@poppy7599]

I am upset on behalf of Jon Solo that KZbin doesn’t send out his notifications even if the Solo fam rings the bell!!! This is top tier content, and he deserves more views and subscribers!!

[@christianmarshal6117]

There is also a scene in one of the versions of the story where Ebenezer sees the death of his sister and he left shortly after she stopped moving thinking she was dead and left his baby nephew behind with no one but just after his younger self leaves and he turns to the Ghost asking “How could you take me here spirit? Have you no mercy, no pity?!” Fan suddenly comes back too life with just enough strength to say “Ebenzer! Take care of the boy... take care of...” and dies. So he starts crying and calls out “Oh God! Forgive me Fan!” As he realizes he allowed himself, in his, bitterness to show nothing but contempt for his last remaining relatives even though one of the very few people he ever loved begged him to take care of the child with her dying breath! But maybe you’ll cover that in the origins analyzation.

[@thehowlinggamer5784]

Seen multiple versions. Disney, the muppets, the flinstones... Haven't actually read it though...

[@mo0nflowersart]

Isn't it a required read in seventh grade? (Or is that just for me.)

[@thehowlinggamer5784]

@@mo0nflowersart Did of mice and men, moby dick and a couple Shakespeare plat books, but don't reacall a Christmas Carol being a requirement. Did do a few hardy boys and 3 investigator books for the book it program though.

[@TheKat12364]

audible has a great version read by Tim Curry!!!

[@rachelrecycles369]

There's one with Bill Murray and Capol Caine and she decks him in the head with a toaster!

[@melissacooper4282]

You ought to read the book. It's just as interesting as the film versions.

[@auburnsongbird2044]

I cried when you talked about toys for tots. You and your girlfriend have hearts of gold. Merry Christmas.🎄

[@barbarahouk1983]

Charity, a concept that is looked down upon :( Yet true charity is LOVE, love for humanity. Charity is an investment in the future of mankind. True insurance is never taught but it is the formalized non government way to make charity happen. Government seems to always get in the way and ruin this process. Insurance is supposed to be people freely joining a group that wants to do this pooling of monies. The tiny group of managers are supposed to be limited to 5%-never more than 10% in administration fees from the principal yearly. The managers are to make SOUND INVESTMENT and grow the pool long term. It is really a charity in that the majority of the contributors expect to remain healthy lifelong and essentially donate the small sums yearly never to collect. That is the hope of insurance. However, it is well known by statistics out of this large group of people, a percentage are going to experience a disaster. It is those unfortunate people who lose the gamble and no longer remain in the group of healthy people. They then receive the formalized charity called insurance. They will have rules to follow to receive these monies. This is by contract. All to often, I have watched this turned upside down (especially in health care) and government made it into a circus.

[@goatshenanigans6090]

You had me subscribed at "They had us in the first half, I’m not gonna lie."

[@Bisexualdragon4042]

I was pretty bummed out about Christmas this year and how empty it felt but listening to "A Christmas Carol" really reminded me to look at the good in everything. I'm thankfully with family and we're enjoying all our favorite foods.

[@reddragoon4hawke548]

The 2 version that I love the most of A Christmas Carol is the 1952 one with Alastair Sim as Scrooge and the Muppet one.

[@Px828]

Best one ever. I watch it every year.

[@DeadeyeToya]

I beg to differ

[@reddragoon4hawke548]

@@DeadeyeToya I did say the ones that I love. Not the best one.

[@DeadeyeToya]

@@reddragoon4hawke548 I know

[@candiigurl7893]

For those wondering, the live action clips included in this video of Charles is from the film "The Man that Invented Christmas". It's a Christmas Carol/ Charles Dickens origin story available on amazon prime and it's a good film. I recommend a watch during the Christmas season! 👍

[@Lindsay-nx5sv]

One thing I found interesting, all that wealth, and Scrooge sleeps in the servants quarters which the bells signify.

[@davidhunden120]

Great job Jon. An additional link to this story you might want to consider (either as a separate presentation, or as an addendum to this presentation) is the historical British taste for GHOST STORIES at Christmas. Dickens was wrapping more than social justice into 'A Christmas Carol'.

[@lizw6952]

1. “busy businessman who only cares about business”. nice reference to kurtboy (if that was intentional...) 2. how did jon just not reference his new facial hair at all

[@Singsloud69]

I was thinking the same!!

[@yaretzineri5371]

omg thats where i heard it from yes

[@tijanamilenkovic3425]

@@yaretzineri5371 what do you think about The Messed Up Origins of Pokemon or Digimon or Yo Kai Watch

[@artsydragon4874]

I know right? I bet he's getting a beautiful beard (win)!

[@tijanamilenkovic3425]

@@artsydragon4874 he is hunkalicious

[@saintsnation2971]

It's funny that we are currently reading a Christmas Carol in my class

[@twistedtrees4175]

Why did your wording just knowing your in school hurt so much.. iv had some nog and rum I love everyone its...this comment is word vomit... I love you all ❤ merry Christmas 🎅 happy holidays

[@Private-Potato]

I hope your enjoying it. One of my favorite stories

All Charles Dikens' tales are worth a read! I can't even count how many times I've read David Copperfield, lol (I'm 31)

[@katherinelydon7306]

I heard Dickens’ inspiration was a report on the condition of poor children and factory children workers. I love the 1951 Alistar Sims version.

[@kconway2263]

That’s my Dad’s favorite, too. We always watch it together except this year. Stupid Covid.

[@adaynasmile]

YES! Definitely do the classics. I love the way that you re-tell and explain stories. A Christmas Carol is one of my favorite stories and enjoyed this episode immensely. I'd be interested in you tackling things like Les Misérables. That one would take a long while though to incorporate all the versions that are out there and explain the French Revolution. It sort of goes with A Christmas Carol...

[@royknight5107]

Les Miserable Hunchback of Notre Dame House of the Seven Gables

[@princerooster1468]

In high school, we did a play of "A Christmas Carol" and I was Bob Cratchit.

[@maskedartist2645]

Me too, I was the wife of the nephew.

[@darylmodjeski698]

I was Jacob Marley in my high school dinner theater of a Christmas Carol.

[@elizabethannuk]

I was the ghost of Christmas past

[@globisdead]

Do you think y'all were any good?

[@ElishaSkater]

I done it twice. I was Bob's wife the 1st time and the 2nd I was the ghost of christmas past.

[@shaylabradwell7651]

It makes me really happy knowing he gave to toys for tots, they're a great organization that often were the highlight of my year growing up when we had no money or family to help.

[@cyprianastiffler9994]

Well I’m sitting here in bed watching this while drinking my Christmas tree. Yes you read that right. My life is amazing

[@christianmarshal6117]

I’m surprised how many of these stories completely erase Fan from the storyline. I saw multiple versions of the story including the modern retelling but it still was until my Junior year in high school that I even realized she existed! I remember reading the character list while we were getting ready to do the class reading and I saw Fan Scrooge- Ebenezer’s sister (and a short description) and I was just staring at it like, “Whaaaat?..”

[@gatoelurso]

I suggest The Prisoner of Zenda, Tom Sawyer, and Ben-Hur.

[@mo0nflowersart]

Tom sawyer is really dark 😅

[@serpent8264]

Ben-Hur is amazing

[@felipevelasco7435]

This video was absolutely incredible but we cannot leave oute the BEST adaptation of the Christmas Carol, the BARBIE ONE!!

[@dommypoo7973]

Jon I highly recommend watching 2019 rendition of a Christmas Carol on Hulu. Its a little dark but I think it also does a great job of adapting Charles Dickins' story while still invoking the holiday spirit!

[@megans.6159]

"Yea I definitely spilled soup on it" *Licks book* "Chicken noodle" 😂🤣😂

[@muffinkitty6904]

Who else's favorite version of the Christmas Carol is the Muppets Christmas Carol?

[@rachelrecycles369]

It's a pain finding the unedited version though. Why, why did they cut out Belle's song?!

[@sarahsmith4205]

Man they always have jim carry playing Christmas hating guys who learn to love again exhibit a) the grinch exhibit b) scrooge

[@mamigotz4]

That's 2 examples...i don't think that qualifies as a "type cast" label

[@barneynedward]

Eventually they'll cast him as George Bailey.

[@juliancornejo1402]

@@barneynedward George didnt hate Christmas he felt useless and a failure for having the bank go bankrupt and felt that he had had no impact on the town he loved so dearly. Thats why he wanted to kill himself Christmas was just the setting to compound his feeling of guilt for not being able to provide.

[@sarahsmith4205]

@@mamigotz4 I don't watch a lot of his movies so I don't know if he has any others where his character is like that at least not that I know of

[@katiekoo-koohead2551]

Technically jim carry also voiced the voice of Christmas past and the voice of Christmas present

[@Headpfones]

I will definitely throw a vote for a classics explained. Even if it’s an occasion maybe make it a special for the bigger times of year. I definitely say yes

[@louise-yo7kz]

He's one of my favorite authors. A complex man he was but very prolific

[@rosebudjess96]

I love this A Christmas Carol is one of my favourite books. Merry Christmas, hope everyone has a good one!

[@breelove3742]

the positivity in the comment section is so heart warming 🥺 wow

[@tothestarz]

Thanks for making me cry. Love you, Jon. Happy New Year!

[@rhowar1]

I'm a huge fan of your work! This particular story hit close to home because I've played Scrooge three times on stage. This story is very dear to me. Keep up the good work!

[@willlyon7129]

Will you be doing a video on the messed up origins of Oliver and Company/Oliver Twist?

[@debraallen5451]

Diffently a good idea

[@clarestubbs9303]

Yes and compare the "happy clappy" musical "Oliver!" with the novel Oliver Twist which is much darker and more complex.

[@VampyreVladimira]

I absolutely think you should do a Classics Explained, and one of the books you should explain, I would love for you to review my favorite book, Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë. Love the video. Merry Christmas everyone! ♥

[@zazuzazz5419]

Jon, you are and remain a blessing! Happy holidays, “…in keeping with the situation.” Everyone, be safe. Keep joy where you find it. 💗 🎄 🕯

[@victoriaminnich8174]

I absolutely love watching you take these stories and break them down. Merry Christmas Jon!