Episode 27: It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

“I will honour Christmas in my heart and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future. The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me. I will not shut out the lessons that they teach!"

Charles Dickens wrote these words in his famous story, A Christmas Carol. first published in London in December 1843. The first edition sold out by Christmas eve. The story captured the imagination of the British public at a time they were exploring and reevaluating past Christmas traditions and it led to a revival of the Christmas holiday. It also inspired the concept of family gatherings, seasonal food and drink, and a festive generosity of spirit.

In Silver Linings, Terry Lees examines how, with just a few weeks to go, it is beginning to look a lot like Christmas.