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.
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Credits
| Role | Contributor |
|---|---|
| Presenter | Griff Rhys Jones |
| Interviewed Guest | Patrick Stewart |
| Interviewed Guest | Lucinda Hawksley |
| Producer | Jacquie Hughes |
Broadcasts
- Sun 23 Dec 2007 14:45Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Two Scotland
Sun 23 Dec 2007 15:40Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ One except Scotland
Sun 16 Dec 2018 21:00- Mon 21 Dec 2020 20:00
- Thu 18 Mar 2021 14:00Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Two except East, Scotland, Wales (Analogue) & Yorkshire
- Sat 18 Dec 2021 15:55Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Two except East, Scotland, Wales (Analogue) & Yorkshire
- Wed 14 Dec 2022 20:00
- Thu 15 Dec 2022 02:05
- Boxing Day 2022 08:15Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Two except East, Scotland, Wales (Analogue) & Yorkshire
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