December 12

They were in another scene and place; a room, not very large or handsome, but full of comfort. Near to the winter fire sat a beautiful young girl, so like that last that Scrooge believed it was the same, until he saw her, now a comely matron, sitting opposite her daughter.

Scrooge is now taken to the home of Belle, his former fiancé, she is with her younger daughter celebrating Christmas when her husband comes into the room with Christmas toys and presents. There is celebration! .
Scrooge witnessed the potential that was never actualized. Instead of doing while he could, he is now watching what could have been. He is reminded of what could have been.
Christmas time may remind us of our own “what could have been.”

The scene is interrupted, "Belle," said the husband, turning to his wife with a smile, "I saw an old friend of yours this afternoon." "Who was it?" "Guess!" "How can I? Tut, don't I know," she added in the same breath, laughing as he laughed. "Mr. Scrooge."

"Mr. Scrooge it was. I passed his office window; and as it was not shut up, and he had a candle inside, I could scarcely help seeing him. His partner lies upon the point of death, I hear; and there he sat alone. Quite alone in the world, I do believe."
"Spirit!" said Scrooge in a broken voice, "remove me from this place."

"I told you these were shadows of the things that have been," said the Ghost. "That they are what they are, do not blame me!"
Remove me!" Scrooge exclaimed, "I cannot bear it!"

For some, Christmas is a time “I cannot bear it!” One of the gifts of Christmas we can bring to some is helping others when they cannot bear it.