Christmas Carol

Form 5 have been exploring the presentation of Christmas in the novel, and have learned that at the start of the 19th century Christmas was hardly celebrated; business would not even close on Christmas day! The Victorians changed the way we celebrate Christmas and some people believe this is due to Queen Victoria’s German husband Prince Albert. In 1848 a drawing was published of the Royal family decorating a Christmas tree and soon after every home in Britain had a tree of their own. Other important Christmas traditions, such as Christmas cards and crackers, were invented during the Victorian era and many thank Charles Dickens for making this new, festive Christmas more popular.

Last week, as a special festive treat, Form 5 were lucky enough to see a 5th edition of A Christmas Carol which was published in 1844. Joseph Scott brought in this text for Form 5 because they are currently studying it. He spoke to the other students about the hand painted illustrations in the book, the beautiful embossing on the front page and also how the previous owner, who bought the novel in 1942, paid £2. 5s which would have been a whole week’s wages! Form 5, and the English Department, feel incredibly lucky to have been given the opportunity to see such a rare and precious book and would like to thank Mr. Scott for lending it to us for a day.