This is a first for me.

With the name Scoop, I’ve always prided myself on being able to research the big story, find the critical sources and coax them to open up ... getting the scoop, if you will.

But this year, I’ve gone a step beyond — by stepping into the beyond.

I am delving into the paranormal, a world different from our own. It took some doing, but I spread my wings and flew into another dimension.

So, here is my Christmas gift to you, dear readers: A visit with the Ghost of Christmas Past, Ghost of Christmas Present and Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come.

Scoop:First off, do you know how hard it was to even find you guys?

Past: We’re seen only when we want to be seen.

Scoop:And when is that? I thought you turned around Ebenezer Scrooge and that was it.

Present: Our contact with Scrooge was back in 1843. We’re ghosts, but we’re not lazy. We’ve entered a lot of people’s lives at this time of year.

To Come: Yep. Just not publicized.

Scoop: So what do you guys wear when you make contact with people?

Past: I wear a white robe, with a beacon of light radiating from my head.

Scoop:Can’t people see right through that?

Past: Cute.

Present: I don a fur-lined green robe. I also have a holly wreath on my head with dangling icicles.

To Come: A shadowy black cloak with a hood.

Scoop: Sounds gloomy.

To Come: I know. I appear tall and skeletal to the human eye. Go figure.

Scoop: This has been a strange year, to say the least. How is it affecting you? Past, we’ll start with you.

Past: I must say, I’ve become quite popular. With what’s going on now, people seem to appreciate what I stand for a lot more.

I show them gala Christmas parties they’ve taken part in through the years, big-time parades, singing Christmas carols together, even sitting on Santa’s lap.

Those memories were taken for granted before. This year, they’re cherished.

Scoop:Present? Why are you looking so glum, chum?

Present: Nobody seems to like me.

Scoop:Nonsense! It’s the holiday season.

Present: Not many people are traveling home for Christmas this year. Extended family gatherings are down. Events are being canceled. Finances seem to be affecting the spirit of giving.

I’m the fall guy for all of this.

Scoop:So what is your message?

Present: Appreciate all the good that is in your life. Your spouses. Your children. Your friends and co-workers. The coronavirus is no match for true Christmas spirit.

Scoop: Christmas Yet to Come, what have you got for us?

To Come: A vaccine. The sooner, the better.

Scoop: Anything else?

To Come: Christmas joy. The return of normalcy. The benefits of going through 2020.

Scoop:Benefits?

To Come: You never know what you’ve got until it’s gone. That was hammered home to people this year and that message will resonate for years to come.

Scoop: You know, that black cloak does not become you.

To Come: What can I say? We ghosts have no sense of fashion.