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Charles Dickens and the Invention of Christmas

Griff Rhys Jones reveals how Dickens created the idea of a traditional family Christmas through one of his best-known books, A Christmas Carol.

Griff Rhys Jones reveals how Dickens created the idea of a traditional family Christmas through one of his best-known books, A Christmas Carol. From the moment it was published in 1843, the story of miserly Ebeneezer Scrooge captured the imagination of Victorian Britain. Santa Claus, Christmas cards and crackers were invented around the same time, but it was Dickens's book that boosted the craze for Christmas, above all promoting the idea that Christmas is best celebrated with the family.

Interviewees include former on-screen Scrooge, Patrick Stewart, and writer Lucinda Hawksley, great-great-great-granddaughter of Charles Dickens himself.

1 hour

Last on

Boxing Day 2022 08:15
BBC Two

Credits

Presenter Griff Rhys Jones
Interviewed Guest Patrick Stewart
Interviewed Guest Lucinda Hawksley
Producer Jacquie Hughes

Broadcasts

  • Sun 23 Dec 2007 14:45
    BBC Two Scotland
  • Sun 23 Dec 2007 15:40
    BBC One except Scotland
  • Sun 16 Dec 2018 21:00
    BBC Four
  • Mon 21 Dec 2020 20:00
    BBC Four
  • Thu 18 Mar 2021 14:00
    BBC Two except East, Scotland, Wales (Analogue) & Yorkshire
  • Sat 18 Dec 2021 15:55
    BBC Two except East, Scotland, Wales (Analogue) & Yorkshire
  • Wed 14 Dec 2022 20:00
    BBC Four
  • Thu 15 Dec 2022 02:05
    BBC Four
  • Boxing Day 2022 08:15
    BBC Two except East, Scotland, Wales (Analogue) & Yorkshire

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