“When Charles Dickens wrote ‘A Christmas Carol’ in 1842, the holiday was nearly dead in modern England. Christmas was celebrated by the rural and poor, but frowned upon by employers. It took an American, Washington Irving, to praise Christmas to the highest, mourning the loss of the great traditions in this new modern age.
“Dickens admired Irving. In earlier writings, such as ‘Sketches by Boz,’ Dickens made much of the ‘strain of goodwill and cheerfulness,’ that this holiday did more to spread good will among neighbors than any preaching or homilies.”
In a recent commentary, Jamie Lutton (owner of Twice Sold Tales) reflected on the Spirit of Christmas as presented by Charles Dickens.
To access Ms. Lutton’s complete essay, please visit:
Capitol Hill Times: Why Dickens’ ‘Carol’ is the most important Christmas tale (20 DEC 12)
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