Throughline When Christmas Went Viral
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Dec 12, 2024 
In this captivating discussion, Charles Dickens—renowned 19th-century writer and social commentator—reveals the transformative power of his classic *A Christmas Carol*. He delves into how the story reshaped Christmas celebrations, shifting from somber traditions to joyous festivities. Dickens shares his own childhood memories that inspired the novella and highlights the social issues faced by the working class. His reflections on themes of compassion and redemption remain relevant today, illuminating the true spirit of Christmas across generations.
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Dickens as Father Christmas
- After Dickens's death, a journalist asked a young girl about it.
- She replied, "Oh, will Father Christmas die too?"
Christmas Before Dickens
- Pre-carol Christmas wasn't widely celebrated; many worked.
- Kissing under the mistletoe, a pagan-linked custom, existed.
Dickens's Childhood Hardship
- 12-year-old Dickens faced hardship when his father went to debtor's prison.
- Dickens worked in a factory, a formative experience shaping his writing.
