Q&A

Which Christmas traditions, if any, is Charles Dickens responsible for?

Many of the Christmas traditions enjoyed in the UK today were introduced or popularised during Dickens’ lifetime: the first Christmas card was sent, crackers were invented, and Prince Albert famously introduced Christmas trees from his native Germany. Old traditions such as carol singing, feasting, and giving presents were reinvigorated in the Victorian era and became closely associated with Christmas time.

Dickens himself wasn’t responsible for these traditions. However, his vibrant and evocative depictions of Christmas celebrations cemented his association with the time of year