In A Christmas Carol, what does Scrooge initially value the most in his life? How does his view contrast with Fred or Bob Cratchit?

In Stave One of ,
Dickens makes Scrooge's priorities in life very clear to the reader. He is greedy, for example,
and places a high value on creating and maintaining his personal wealth. We see this through the
fire in Bob Cratchit's office which is so small that it appears to consist of only "one
coal." Scrooge is too miserly to pay for additional coal so Bob has to warm himself with a
"white comforter." In addition, Scrooge's miserliness is also expressed by his refusal
to donate any money to the men seeking a charitable donation. Scrooge would rather see the poor
in a prison or the "Union workhouse" than hand over of any his money.

Secondly, Scrooge highly values his own company and does not enjoy spending time with
others. He is the only resident of his apartment's building, for example, and turns down Fred's
offer to dine with him on Christmas Day. This is one of the most striking differences between
Scrooge and Fred: Fred enjoys the company of his others, especially at Christmas. For Fred, this
season is about being grateful for what you have and considering those in need (which further
contrasts with Scrooge):

Christmas...the only time I know
of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their
shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were
fellow-passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other
journeys.

Similarly, Bob Cratchit does not share
Scrooge's desire to be alone, preferring to spend the whole of Christmas Day at home with his
family.

But meeting with the spirits will change Scrooge dramatically and he
will soon come to value friendship and family above all things, just like Fred and
Bob.