In 1843, Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol was published in London. It was considered a ghost story, and it was written during a time as the British were reconsidering what Christmas traditions should look like. They were thinking about their past traditions, which included carols, but they were also contemplating whether they would go all out modern and add Christmas cards and trees.
Dickens was inspired by a trip to a school for London’s street children, and he wondered if a selfish man could be transformed by doing good for others. The book sold out by Christmas Eve and it was reprinted, including bootleg versions that gave Dickens a reason to sue his publisher.
The publisher went bankrupt, and in turn, payments from the publication were minimal. However, Dickens began reading the story in public in 1849, and his readings were so popular that he continued them until the year of his death. Overall, he gave 127 readings of the book over the years. This book has never been out of print, and it has been translated into numerous languages and adapted for the stage.
Because of Dickens, we have the greeting "Merry Christmas", which while previously used over the years, was a prominent phrase in the book. It became a custom of the Victorian public to greet one another that way after the publication of the story. We also have the word "Scrooge" that defines a miser and the lovely and ever cheerful “Bah! Humbug!” thanks to this story.
He wanted people to celebrate the holiday, even in the face of such scandalous modernization like a Christmas tree or a Christmas card.
The adaptation of the book to the stage is long and began in 1844. The very first movie was a short British film titled Scrooge, or Marley’s Ghost (1901). Other movies came and went, but the one that is usually broadcast during the holiday season is A Christmas Carol (formerly titled Scrooge), and it was released in 1951 with Alastair Sim playing Scrooge and the Cratchits were Michael Hordern, Mervyn Johns and Hermione Baddeley. It is hailed as the best adaptation of the book ever made according to A. O. Scott of The New York Times.
The Muppet Christmas Carol is a remake starring Michael Caine as Scrooge.
This story still has the ability to fill us with anger at the meanness of Scrooge, sorrow for the plight of the poor, and warm our hearts when Scrooge changes his mind. We might all like to see the world from this perspective, and the Christmas season is the perfect time to take stock of what is important.
As you take time to shop for gifts, here are some handmade goodies that will look wonderful under your Christmas tree – the scandalous, modern Christmas tree.
Passion Flowers Art Print
Oliver The Otter Christmas
Santa Says Do Not Open Til Dec 25 Christmas Stickers
Christmas Silver Pearl Necklace Earrings Scarlet Emerald Crystals
Christmas Earrings
Handmade Large Hole Lampwork Beads
Angel Pendant Necklace With Birthstone Drop Charm
Pine Wooden Earrings Rectangle drop repurposed Handcrafted
Christmas Wreath Charm Aventurine Bar Necklace, Wreath Under The Mistletoe
Christmas Holiday Earrings, Silver Red Green Crystals Handmade Jewelry
Christmas Women's Purse Charm Keychain Handmade Keyrings for Women
Don’t see what you want here?
Here are some more places to shop handmade by these artists, and if nothing else, ask one of them to create something for you.
Countdown to Christmas 2022
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More Places to Shop:
Favorite Christmas Movies - How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Favorite Christmas Movies - A Christmas Story
Favorite Christmas Movies - Miracle on 34th Street
Favorite Christmas Movies - Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Favorite Christmas Movies - A Charlie Brown Christmas
Check back for more gift ideas.
Happy gift giving,
Julie
You and Harry have written another fascinating blog! Have always loved the book and the 1951 movie is the go to one as far as “A Christmas Carol” goes (at least IMHO). And you selected another wonderful group of Christmas gift ideas. Many thanks for including my “Christmas Cheer” earrings. The blog and the items will be shared far and wide. Snoozin’ on the Porch Seamus sends tasty treats to his friend, the Harry Florida Dog. Thanks, again!