Step Back in Time: Christmas in Victorian London
Why Christmas Meant So Much in Dickens’s Day
I’ve always been fascinated by how Christmas became the celebration we know and love, and Victorian London played a huge part in that story. Back in the early 1800s, Christmas wasn’t really the big festive deal it is now. It was pretty quiet, and for many working-class people, just another tough time of year.
But by the time Charles Dickens was writing, things were changing fast. Christmas was becoming a moment to slow down, gather family, and share some joy. Traditions like decorating trees (thanks to Prince Albert), sending cards, and feasting started to catch on. And the city itself? Imagine foggy streets lit by gas lamps and shop windows filled with seasonal treats and decorations—it really set the scene for a magical festive season. When we visited the Charles Dickens Museum, there was a whole section about the fog of London and how Dickens used it to create atmosphere in his novels but also to reflect the cold, dark but cosy nature of this time of year.
What I love is how Dickens captured this shift in A Christmas Carol, showing both the joy and the struggles of Christmas in Victorian London. It wasn’t just about fun—it was about hope and connection during difficult times.
How Charles Dickens Made Christmas Shine
Honestly, without Dickens, Christmas might never have become the warm, generous holiday we celebrate today. When he published A Christmas Carol in 1843, England was full of social challenges...poverty, inequality, and rapid industrial change. Dickens will always have a piece of my heart for being the strong advocate for change,
Dickens used the story A Christmas Carol to remind people about kindness and generosity. His characters and vivid storytelling brought Christmas spirit into the hearts of millions and changed how society viewed the season. Instead of just a religious day, Christmas became a time for charity, family, and goodwill. And I think that message still hits home today, which is why I adore this novella so much. I think it's another reason why it remains on the National Curriculum...the lessons it teaches young people and the utter joy it creates.
A Christmas Carol: The Story That Changed Everything
Scrooge’s Ghostly Wake-Up Call
You know the story: Ebenezer Scrooge is a grumpy old miser who hates Christmas and everything that comes with it. But then, bam! He’s visited by his old business partner Jacob Marley’s ghost and three spirits of Christmas...Past, Present, and Yet to Come. These visits show him the error of his ways and inspire him to change.
I find Scrooge’s transformation so inspiring. It’s like Dickens is saying, “No matter how stuck you are, it’s never too late to turn things around.” And that hope is what keeps me coming back to the story year after year. The thought of reading it again this year makes me so excited. I will romanticise every minute of it...blankets, hot chocolate, wax melts lit.
The Characters Who Stole Our Hearts
Besides Scrooge, I love the other characters that make the story so rich. Bob Cratchit is the sweet and struggling worker who shows us the power of family and love, even in tough times. Tiny Tim, with his courage and optimism, reminds us all what Christmas spirit really means. And those ghosts? They aren’t just spooky...they’re clever storytellers who help Scrooge (and us) see the bigger picture. I always enjoy their unique ways of teaching important life lessons. They also visit Scrooge all in one night and I love the pace this gives the novella (he has a lot to learn in a very short space of time!)
Victorian Celebrations: All the Festive Vibes
Decking the Halls, Victorian Style
Victorian Christmas decorations were all about warmth and cheer. Imagine homes filled with holly, ivy, and mistletoe, handmade paper chains hanging everywhere, and candles flickering in windows. Streets and shops joined the fun too, making the whole city sparkle. What I would give to walk down a Dickensian street at Christmas. I adore the opening scenes of Jim Carey's A Christmas Carol where we are taken round the lively, festive streets. You see people selling chestnuts and wreaths and I wish we had more of this nowadays.
The Christmas tree was a big deal by then, and Victorian families took pride in decorating it with all sorts of charming ornaments. It really set the mood for cosy family gatherings, and honestly, it sounds like such a lovely way to brighten the dark winter nights. The Victorians loved to gather at Christmas time, and loved telling ghost stories on Christmas Eve...hence A Christmas Carol being a ghost story!
Feasts, Fun, and Festive Cheer
Food was central to Victorian Christmas, and the feasts were something to look forward to. Roasted meats, plum pudding, mince pies, and sweet treats filled the tables. Even families who didn’t have much would do their best to make Christmas dinner special, just like the Cratchits in the story. Besides the food, there was singing, games, and plenty of laughter. It was a chance to forget everyday worries and celebrate together.
The Real London Behind the Carol
Rich and Poor: A Tale of Two Christmases
One thing I find so powerful in Dickens’s story is how it shows the huge gap between the rich and poor. While people like Scrooge lived comfortably, many in London struggled just to get by. Christmas was a reminder of those social divides but also a call for empathy. The story encourages us to look out for others, especially those less fortunate, and that message feels as relevant today as it was then. When Dickens was asked why he wrote the novella, he responded as a "sledge-hammer blow on behalf of a poor man's child." The hard-hitting impactful message of the novella resounds throughout the pages and is the reason it remains a powerful, well loved story.
Giving Back: Dickens’s Message of Kindness
Dickens was a master at showing how simple acts of kindness could change lives. The spirit of charity and goodwill is at the heart of A Christmas Carol, reminding us all to be generous with our time, money, and love...especially at Christmas.That’s why Dickens’s Christmas stories have lasted so long. They celebrate the best parts of humanity and inspire us to be better!
Wrapping It All Up: The Christmas Legacy That Lives On
When I think about Victorian Christmas and A Christmas Carol, I’m filled with warmth and joy. Dickens didn’t just write a story; he created a tradition that continues to bring people together. From decorating trees to sharing meals and giving generously, his influence is everywhere during the festive season.
For me, reading or teaching this novella is like stepping into a time when Christmas began to sparkle with new meaning. It’s a beautiful reminder that no matter what’s going on in the world, there’s always room for hope, change, and kindness, especially at Christmas.
Our A Christmas Carol wax melt gift box is the perfect treat for fans of Charles Dickens and classic Christmas stories. Carefully crafted to bring the warmth and spirit of Victorian Christmas right into your home, this luxury gift makes a thoughtful and unique A Christmas Carol gift. Whether you’re looking to surprise a book lover or add some festive cheer to your own space, these wax melts offer a cosy, nostalgic experience that celebrates the magic of Dickens’s timeless tale.
