Awaking Wonder Unit: A Christmas Carol

A Christmas Carol is a classic tale first published by Charles Dickens in 1843.

The second child of eight, Charles was born in 1812 to a poor family in Portsea, England. His father ended up in debtor’s prison, and Dickens himself went to work in a shoe polish factory as a when he was only twelve. This experience caused him to have great compassion for those in need, and he endeavored to help them throughout his life.

Dickens’ writing of this particular book may have been sparked by his visit to a school for orphaned or otherwise impoverished children which struck him deeply. Its obvious themes of the evils of greed and selfishness are portrayed in such a vivid way as to capture the hearts and understanding of adults as well as children, and should be enjoyed by all. It is largely thanks to A Christmas Carol that we enjoy the merry, joyful celebration of Christmas that we are familiar with today—and the origin of the saying, “Bah, humbug!” as well as the common image of a “scrooge.”