No Humbug! The suprising story behind the creation of "A Christmas Carol"
When we think of “A Dickens Christmas,” we usually think of the kind of Christmas that might have been celebrated in England in the mid-1800s: a blazing fireplace, plum pudding with a sprig of holly stuck on top, rosy-cheeked carolers in long scarves and top hats, a horse-drawn carriage clip-clopping along cobblestone streets. It’s the kind of Christmas depicted in countless versions of Dickens’ most beloved story, "A Christmas Carol."
Come discover the surprising and little-known backstory of how Dickens was inspired to write his “little Carol,” and what happened to the story – and to Christmas – once "A Christmas Carol" made its way into the world.
The story includes information about Dickens' young life, how he got started writing his novels, the surprising "sledge-hammer" that inspired his Christmas story, and how the celebration of Christmas has changed since the time when the book was first written. You'll even hear how Napoleon Bonaparte had a hand in changing the course of Dickens' life and career!
The program ends with a reading from the story -- the charming scene where the Cratchit family prepares their Christmas meal. It's a lovely picture of a warm, jolly, loving family celebrating a special day -- a great way to bring the Spirit of Christmas Present out of hiding!
