By:  Jeff Walters

When Charles Dickens died in 1870, a young girl in London poignantly asked, “Mr. Dickens dead? Then will Father Christmas die, too?” This question underscores the deep connection between Dickens’ writings and modern Christmas traditions.

The popularity of Christmas has fluctuated over time. By the Victorian era, enthusiasm for the holiday was waning due to skepticism about its pagan traditions and economic constraints. However, the publication of Dickens’ novel “A Christmas Carol” revived the nostalgia and tradition associated with Christmas.

At a time when many American and British households were facing financial hardships, “A Christmas Carol” delivered a powerful message. Dickens reminded his readers that a joyful Christmas morning doesn’t require Ebenezer Scrooge’s wealth, but rather the heart of the humble Cratchit family.

Dickens, much like the character Bob Cratchit, was a family man. With his wife pregnant with their fifth child and their living expenses high, Dickens began writing “A Christmas Carol” as a desperate attempt to earn more money.

Despite his initial financial motivation, Dickens quickly became engrossed in the story. He was so passionate about his work that he paid for the book’s production out of his own pocket after disagreements with his publishers. He also lowered its cost to make it more affordable.

Released during the Christmas season of 1843, “A Christmas Carol” was an immediate success. It left a lasting imprint on how Christmas is perceived and celebrated. The vocabulary from the book, such as “Scrooge” and “Tiny Tim,” has become part of everyday conversation. Most importantly, each time this piece of literature is read or adapted for the screen, it reminds us that Christmas is about love and charity, not wealth.

https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/a-christmas-carol-the-influence-of-charles-dickens-on-christmas-traditions