FEZZIWIG AND FRIENDS AT HOME: To keep the spirit of “A Christmas Carol” alive this year, McCarter Theatre is offering a specially curated box of activities.

While the pandemic has caused cancellation of McCarter Theatre Center’s annual production of A Christmas Carol, the organization’s artistic team has come up with a way to share the themes of the timeless story with an original gift box.

A Christmas Carol @HOME has curated items to create a version of the classic tale by Charles Dickens, while exploring activities and surprises. Each box can be used as a family activity or given as a holiday gift. Inside are individually wrapped envelopes with scenes that can be performed in person (or over Zoom), character sketch postcards to paint, color, send, or frame; and “conversation cards” to spark discussion around the story’s themes.

“McCarter’s A Christmas Carol is such a beloved tradition that we had to find a way to do it this year,” said Artistic Director Sarah Rasmussen. “With A Christmas Carol @HOME, we hope to bring people together and celebrate the spirit of family, generosity, and community in Dickens’ classic. We are so grateful to Bank of America for their support. They have been a multi-year sponsor of McCarter’s A Christmas Carol, and when we approached them about this innovative initiative, they immediately saw the value of connecting to our community in this wonderful way.”

McCarter has created a special online portal at mccarter.org to enhance the gift experience. Patrons can explore additional content, access a full script and stage adaptation, submit photos and videos from their own scenes and staging, and find local promotions from the community.

Boxes are now on sale to the general public. They cost $40 each with a $5 handling fee. Shipping is included. The deadline to order is December 7, or while supplies last, to ensure delivery by December 24. Orders will begin to ship the week of November 23.

Visit mccarter.org for details.