
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.
Last on
Broadcasts
Featured in...
The Art of Christmas
A collection of immersive festive shows and performances, and the stories behind them.
Christmas Through the Ages
A collection of programmes exploring the history and traditions of the festive season.
Christmas TV 2019
Festive telly treats from 2019.
A Traditional Christmas
The real stories behind the traditions of the festive season.