As the festive season approaches, we’ve gathered some of the most fascinating literary facts related to Christmas. These facts span centuries of history and literary traditions, revealing how Christmas has been shaped by writers, poets, and playwrights throughout the ages. So, without further ado, here are the ‘Sixteen Literary Facts of Christmas’… with a literary twist. Enjoy!
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1. Christina Rossetti and 'In the Bleak Midwinter'
Christina Rossetti, one of the finest female poets of the 19th century, is best known for writing the lyrics to the Christmas carol "In the Bleak Midwinter." Written during the mid-1800s, this hauntingly beautiful piece captures the cold, serene beauty of a winter’s day, with deep religious themes that resonate even today.
Although Rossetti penned the lyrics in the mid-1800s, it wasn’t until the early 20th century that the carol was set to music. The renowned British composer Gustav Holst, famous for his "The Planets" suite, composed the music, which brought Rossetti’s words to life in a stunning way.
"In the Bleak Midwinter" remains one of the most beloved Christmas carols worldwide, often sung in churches during the Christmas season, and it continues to evoke the true spirit of Christmas with its peaceful and introspective lyrics.
2. Nahum Tate and 'While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks'
Poet Nahum Tate, who lived during the 17th century, is credited with writing the words to the Christmas carol "While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks." Tate’s literary contributions extend beyond Christmas music, as he was also responsible for writing the lyrics to Henry Purcell’s famous opera *Dido and Aeneas*.
Interestingly, Tate is perhaps more famous for his reworking of Shakespeare’s *King Lear*, giving the tragic play a happier ending. This revision was highly controversial but solidified Tate’s position in the literary world. He served as the Poet Laureate of Britain from 1692 until his death in 1715.
Despite his other accomplishments, Tate’s carol remains his most enduring legacy, and "While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks" is still a fixture in Christmas music repertoires across the world.
3. Washington Irving’s Influence on Christmas
Washington Irving, an American author known for works like *Rip Van Winkle* and *The Legend of Sleepy Hollow*, played a crucial role in shaping the modern image of Christmas. Although Charles Dickens is often credited with popularizing Christmas festivities, Irving’s writings contributed greatly to the modern American conception of Christmas.
Irving’s stories drew heavily on traditional English Christmas customs that had started to fade in popularity, and his influence is evident in Dickens’s own work. It is said that Dickens was inspired by Irving’s depiction of the holiday season, which led to the rejuvenation of Christmas traditions in both Britain and the United States.
Irving’s work helped to bring back many Christmas traditions, such as the family-centered gatherings and festive celebrations, which were crucial to reviving the holiday as a joyous occasion.
4. The Name Change of Tiny Tim
In Charles Dickens’s iconic *A Christmas Carol*, the beloved character of Tiny Tim was originally going to be named "Little Fred." Dickens had two brothers named Frederick and Alfred, with Alfred dying at a young age. It’s speculated that Dickens may have changed the name to avoid the personal association.
Regardless of his reasoning, the name change was a positive one. Tiny Tim, with his unwavering optimism and faith, became one of the most memorable characters in all of Christmas literature. His iconic line, "God bless us, every one!" continues to resonate with readers and audiences alike.
The change to "Tiny Tim" made the character even more endearing and underscored the tragic yet hopeful nature of his story, making the character one of the most famous in Dickens’s works.
5. The Ba Hum Bugi Snail
There is a species of snail called Ba humbugi, named after Ebenezer Scrooge’s famous exclamation in *A Christmas Carol*. This Fijian snail may not be as well-known as its literary counterpart, but it shares the same iconic phrase that has come to represent Scrooge’s grumpy attitude towards Christmas.
Though Scrooge only says "Bah, humbug!" twice in the entire story, the phrase has since become synonymous with a dismissive attitude towards Christmas cheer. Scrooge’s transformation from a miserly old man to a warm-hearted philanthropist has made this phrase emblematic of the holiday’s spirit of redemption.
The naming of the snail after Scrooge’s catchphrase highlights how *A Christmas Carol* continues to influence not only literature but also scientific nomenclature and popular culture.
6. Mrs. Cecil Alexander and 'Once in Royal David’s City'
Mrs. Cecil Alexander, the author of the well-known Christmas carol "Once in Royal David’s City," was also responsible for writing the hymn "All Things Bright and Beautiful." Both works remain highly popular and are sung in churches worldwide during the Christmas season.
Alexander’s version of "All Things Bright and Beautiful" is arguably the most famous, but she wrote many other hymns and poems. Her works continue to inspire and uplift during the Christmas period, especially "Once in Royal David’s City," which is often the opening hymn for Christmas Eve services.
Her hymn tells the story of the birth of Christ, focusing on the humble nature of Jesus’s entry into the world, and it has become a staple in Christmas celebrations worldwide, evoking feelings of peace and reverence during the holiday season.
7. Clement Clarke Moore and Santa Claus
The image of Santa Claus as a jolly, rotund man in a red suit owes much to the 1823 poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas," more commonly known by its first line, "'Twas the Night Before Christmas." The poem popularized many of the characteristics we now associate with Santa, such as his sleigh, reindeer, and his cheery disposition.
Though the poem was anonymously published, many believe it was written by Clement Clarke Moore, a professor from New York. The poem’s influence on Christmas culture was immense, contributing to the creation of the modern Santa Claus, long before commercial advertisements popularized his appearance in red robes.
The poem also introduced us to the names of Santa’s reindeer, adding to the lore that has become a central part of Christmas celebrations. Today, "A Visit from St. Nicholas" continues to be read aloud in homes and schools during the holiday season.
8. Father Christmas in Ben Jonson’s Play
The character of Father Christmas first appeared in a play by Ben Jonson. In his 1616 masque *Christmas, His Masque*, Jonson introduced "Christmas" as a personified character, attended by his ten children, who were named after various festive elements such as Carol, Wassail, and Minced-Pie.
Jonson’s portrayal of Christmas as a jovial, almost mythical figure would go on to influence how we view Father Christmas today. The tradition of associating a festive figure with the holiday season can be traced back to Jonson’s work.
Though this early version of Father Christmas was quite different from the Santa Claus figure we know today, it laid the groundwork for the character’s evolution, helping to establish the joyful, celebratory image of the season that is now widespread in Christmas traditions.
9. T. S. Eliot’s 'Journey of the Magi'
T. S. Eliot’s poem "Journey of the Magi," written in 1927, was initially commissioned to be included in a Christmas card. Eliot’s contemplation of the Magi’s journey to see the infant Christ offers a reflective, almost somber, meditation on the meaning of the holiday.
Interestingly, the poem draws upon the influence of Lancelot Andrewes, a key translator of the King James Bible. Eliot admired Andrewes, and several lines of the poem are "borrowed" from one of Andrewes’s Christmas sermons.
The poem reflects the more contemplative aspects of Christmas, encouraging readers to think beyond the gifts and festivities, and consider the deeper spiritual significance of the holiday.
10. Christmas Pudding in Anthony Trollope’s Doctor Thorne
The earliest known use of the term "Christmas pudding" appears in Anthony Trollope’s 1858 novel *Doctor Thorne*, part of his Barsetshire series. The phrase appears in a rather humorous context, as Trollope describes a character eating Christmas pudding alone, a situation far from festive.
Trollope’s Barsetshire novels are set in a fictional English county and have long been celebrated for their witty and engaging narratives. The mention of Christmas pudding in *Doctor Thorne* adds a festive touch to the novel, even if it’s in a somewhat ironic context.
Today, Christmas pudding is a traditional dessert enjoyed around the world during the Christmas season, often accompanied by brandy butter or cream, and the tradition of reading festive novels like those by Trollope has become a beloved part of holiday customs.
11. 'A Christmas Carol' was a Social Critique
Charles Dickens’s *A Christmas Carol* was not only a heartwarming tale about redemption; it was also a sharp social critique. Published in 1843, the novella critiques the harsh treatment of the poor in Victorian England and advocates for charity, compassion, and social reform.
The character of Ebenezer Scrooge, with his miserly ways and disdain for the less fortunate, serves as a representation of the selfishness and indifference that Dickens felt was rampant in society at the time. The novella was widely read and helped inspire public discourse about social justice during the Christmas season.
In many ways, *A Christmas Carol* remains one of Dickens’s most powerful works because of its blend of social criticism and emotional storytelling, which continues to resonate with readers and audiences today.
12. 'Little Women' and Christmas Traditions
In Louisa May Alcott’s *Little Women*, Christmas plays a significant role in shaping the March sisters’ family dynamic. The novel, published in 1868, features a Christmas scene in which the sisters, despite being poor, spend their holiday giving to others.
The act of selflessness, embodied by Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy, highlights the importance of family and love over material wealth. In this scene, Alcott emphasizes the spirit of Christmas, showing how the holiday season was about more than just gifts; it was about kindness and community.
*Little Women* has become a classic of American literature and remains one of the most beloved Christmas-themed novels ever written, symbolizing the enduring values of generosity, compassion, and familial bonds.
13. Dr. Seuss's 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas'
Published in 1957, Dr. Seuss’s *How the Grinch Stole Christmas!* has become a modern Christmas classic. The story of the Grinch, a character who despises Christmas and tries to ruin it for everyone, but ultimately learns the true meaning of the holiday, has touched generations of readers.
The Grinch’s transformation from a cold-hearted villain to a warm, compassionate figure is a reflection of the holiday's themes of redemption and self-improvement. The book was adapted into a successful animated TV special in 1966 and continues to be one of the most popular Christmas tales.
Dr. Seuss’s colorful illustrations and rhythmic, whimsical text have made *How the Grinch Stole Christmas!* a favorite during the holiday season, reminding readers of the power of love and kindness in the face of greed and selfishness.
14. 'The Snowman' by Raymond Briggs
Raymond Briggs’s *The Snowman*, first published as a picture book in 1978, tells the story of a boy who builds a snowman that comes to life. The book was later adapted into an animated film, which has become a beloved Christmas classic.
Although the story has no dialogue, its beautiful illustrations and touching narrative have captivated audiences of all ages. The Snowman’s journey with the boy is a whimsical yet poignant reminder of the magic and fleeting beauty of the holiday season.
Its iconic song, "Walking in the Air," has been a staple of Christmas music playlists ever since the film’s release, and *The Snowman* continues to evoke feelings of wonder and nostalgia each year.
15. 'The Polar Express' and Christmas Magic
Chris Van Allsburg’s *The Polar Express*, published in 1985, became an instant holiday favorite. The story of a boy’s magical train ride to the North Pole taps into the wonder and mystery of Christmas, focusing on the belief in Santa Claus.
Through its magical storyline and illustrations, *The Polar Express* encourages readers to hold on to the magic of the season, especially the belief in Santa Claus. The book was adapted into a successful film in 2004, further cementing its place as one of the most beloved Christmas stories.
*The Polar Express* reminds us all to believe in the magic of Christmas, a sentiment that resonates strongly with both children and adults alike.
16. 'Twas the Night Before Christmas' and the Birth of Santa Claus
The famous poem *"A Visit from St. Nicholas"* by Clement Clarke Moore is one of the key works that contributed to the modern-day image of Santa Claus. This iconic poem not only established Santa’s physical characteristics but also popularized the tradition of Santa delivering gifts on Christmas Eve.
Before Moore’s poem, Santa Claus was depicted in various forms, often as a stern figure who punished bad children. However, Moore’s jolly, gift-giving St. Nicholas set the foundation for the Santa Claus we know and love today.
The poem has become a Christmas tradition in itself, often recited by families on Christmas Eve before bed. It reminds us of the joy, generosity, and magic that the holiday season brings, and its influence on Christmas culture is immeasurable.
