It is tempting with this myth, as with all myths, to nostalgically recite the story. The more familiar the tale becomes the more likely we are to sentimentalize. If this occurs the symbols and lessons do not gain entrance into our lives. But this story yearns to become our story. To sponge away the writing from the stone on the grave of Christmas requires a new focus.
Past interpretations seem to have focused on Scrooge the economic and psychological person.
I propose that to understand the significance of the Carol is to integrate the psychological and spiritual messages. To begin with, Scrooge's memory is dead. The legacy of the Ghost of Christmas Past is the heart-felt transformation of memory. That Scrooge attempted to repress his recollection of the past, especially the feelings of his past, is revealed by his reception of the first spectre. The coming of this first ghost is accompanied by theophany, a light, emanating from the head of the ghost, that Scrooge wants to repress.