Christmas with Charles Dickens

by Charles Dickens

This paperback will feature three Christmas-themed stories by the author, led by “The Story of the Goblins Who Stole a Sexton,” a tale acknowledged as a precursor to Dickens’s beloved classic  A Christmas Carol . Other featured stories include “What Christmas Is as We Grow Older” and “A Christmas Dinner.” 

Genres: Christmas, Classics, Fiction, Short Stories, Fantasy

64 pages, Paperback

Published September 28, 2021

About the author

Charles John Huffam Dickens (1812-1870) was a writer and social critic who created some of the world's best-known fictional characters and is regarded as the greatest novelist of the Victorian era. His works enjoyed unprecedented popularity during his lifetime, and by the twentieth century critics and scholars had recognised him as a literary genius. His novels and short stories enjoy lasting popularity.

Dickens left school to work in a factory when his father was incarcerated in a debtors' prison. Despite his lack of formal education, he edited a weekly journal for 20 years, wrote 15 novels, five novellas, hundreds of short stories and non-fiction articles, lectured and performed extensively, was an indefatigable letter writer, and campaigned vigorously for children's rights, education, and other social reforms.

Dickens was regarded as the literary colossus of his age. His 1843 novella, A Christmas Carol, remains popular and continues to inspire adaptations in every artistic genre. Oliver Twist and Great Expectations are also frequently adapted, and, like many of his novels, evoke images of early Victorian London. His 1859 novel, A Tale of Two Cities, set in London and Paris, is his best-known work of historical fiction. Dickens's creative genius has been praised by fellow writers—from Leo Tolstoy to George Orwell and G. K. Chesterton—for its realism, comedy, prose style, unique characterisations, and social criticism. On the other hand, Oscar Wilde, Henry James, and Virginia Woolf complained of a lack of psychological depth, loose writing, and a vein of saccharine sentimentalism. The term Dickensian is used to describe something that is reminiscent of Dickens and his writings, such as poor social conditions or comically repulsive characters.

On 8 June 1870, Dickens suffered another stroke at his home after a full day's work on Edwin Drood. He never regained consciousness, and the next day he died at Gad's Hill Place. Contrary to his wish to be buried at Rochester Cathedral "in an inexpensive, unostentatious, and strictly private manner," he was laid to rest in the Poets' Corner of Westminster Abbey. A printed epitaph circulated at the time of the funeral reads: "To the Memory of Charles Dickens (England's most popular author) who died at his residence, Higham, near Rochester, Kent, 9 June 1870, aged 58 years. He was a sympathiser with the poor, the suffering, and the oppressed; and by his death, one of England's greatest writers is lost to the world." His last words were: "On the ground", in response to his sister-in-law Georgina's request that he lie down.

(from Wikipedia)

Reviews

[Charles Edwards-Freshwater · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun collection of Dickens' essays about Christmas and a sweet story about goblins that's very much in the same vein as A Christmas Carol. I'm not much of a Dickens fan, but he's definitely at his best when he's talking about Christmas. A charming collection and perfect little festive treat.

[Carissa (Regency Woman) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gift in my stocking this recent Christmas and I wanted to make sure I read it before too much time passed.

Such a peculiar little story, the tale of Gabriel Grubb and his encounter with goblins on Christmas Eve. Dickens loved his stories of supernatural experiences had by grouchy, mean-spirited old men. I wonder which came first, “The Story of the Goblins who Stole a Sexton” or “A Christmas Carol.” I didn’t mind it, but being so short, it is inferior to the story of Scrooge.

“A Christmas Dinner” is a charming reflection on Christmas family house parties during Dickens’ time. He waxed beautifully nostalgic and urges familial reconciliation, particularly during the Christmas season. It’s more like a letter to the public or an essay. Very charming on all counts, full of warmth and good humor.

"What Christmas is as We Grow Older” is a memorial to those who have departed this life. A time of mixing pleasant thoughts of the current Christmas with vivid imaginings of our missing loved ones joining us once again. It feels sad yet sweet at the same time. An encouragement to remember.

Overall, a charming collection of essays/short stories. Of the ones in the collection, I would read "A Christmas Dinner" again. It was a nice, thoughtful item in my Christmas stocking since I'm such a Dickens fan.

[Kiely Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 short Christmas tales by Dickens: cute! One was obviously his Christmas Carol inspo, one was really sweet and one sad af. Classic Charlie!

[Kendall Reed · Rating 2 out of 5]

got this for free at barnes and noble

[Lindsey Reid · Rating 3 out of 5]

RIP Charles Dickens you would have loved Lord of the Rings, The Office (Dinner Party Episode), and Emmet Otter’s Jug Band Christmas

[Manic Booksy Dreamgirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a brilliant brief read. Perfect stocking filler. Warmed my heart and made me think

[Jason Pierce · Rating 3 out of 5]

This has three short pieces relating to Christmas. The first comes from The Pickwick Papers, the second was in Sketches by Boz, and the third an essay in some publication. Links go to my review.

The Story of the Goblins Who Stole a Sexton: ★★★★✰
A Christmas Dinner: ★★★✰✰ (2.5)
What Christmas Is as We Grow Older: ★✰✰✰✰

[Jeanette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favorite of Dickens' Christmas stories so not my favorite collection.
The three stories included in the slim volume are The Story of the Goblins who Stole a Sexton, A Christmas Dinner, and What Christmas is as We Grow Older.

[Paakhi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great collection to read leading up to / on Christmas day!

[Kait · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection of 3 stories in 50 pages felt more like 3 sermons, but I don’t say that to Dickens’ detriment. Instead, think of this little book as a charge to all of us to keep Christmas in our hearts: “Reflect upon your present blessings—of which every man has many—not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some. Fill your glass again, with a merry face and contented heart.”

[Pages & Cup · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK, let’s be honest. I gave this a full five stars because it’s Dickens. 😉 But truly, I loved the way this slim volume included “The Story of the Goblins Who Stole a Sexton,” which predates “A Christmas Carol” and likely inspired it. This little edition also includes two of Dickens’s essays, “A Christmas Dinner” and “What Christmas Is as We Get Older,” both of which will join “A Christmas Carol” as an annual Christmas read.
 

[R.J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s difficult for me to rate books that have more than one story within the pages because where I may have liked one story and hated another, I have no idea how to rate the entire book.

Christmas With Charles Dickens is a book club read that I was excited to read. I typically enjoy classics around Christmastime, so this one is exactly what I hoped we’d read going into the Christmas season.

This tiny book has 3 of Dickens’s short stories within: The Story of the Goblins Who Stole a Sexton, A Christmas Dinner, and What Christmas Is As We Grow Older. Each story made me realize how much Christmas must have meant to Charles Dickens. All of his stories, including A Christmas Carol, point to Christmas being a time of mercy, care, love, hope, joy, life, remembrance, and so many things are often taken for granted throughout the rest of the year. Christmas was a very special season to Dickens, and I love how much of his writing is dedicated to my favorite holiday.

While I don’t “love” these stories individually, I do love Dickens’s exuberant passion for Christmas and the imagery he includes in his storytelling. The Story of the Goblins Who Stole a Sexton was odd, but it reminded me a lot of A Christmas Carol in how it highlighted the repentance of an old, bitter man after a supernatural experience. A Christmas Dinner captivated me immediately, but as it went on, it felt like the direction was lost. I did really enjoy What Christmas Is As We Grow Older!

Overall, I relate to Dickens’s feelings of Christmas. The heartbreak intertwined with joy. The remembering paired with time’s inevitable forgetfulness. And the intentional effort it takes to make Christmas the most wonderful time of the year. Here’s my favorite quote from What Christmas Is As We Grow Older:

“Lost friend, lost child, lost parent, sister, brother, husband, wife, we will not discard you! You shall hold your cherished places in our Christmas hearts, and by our Christmas fires; and in the season of immortal hope, and on the birthday of immortal mercy, we will shut out Nothing!”

[Megan Blase · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a cute, fun, whimsical, Christmas read. Truthfully, when I found this at goodwill I thought it contained a Christmas Carol in it, and that’s the main reason I bought it, because I have yet to read a Christmas carol. However, it’s fun to enjoy a book you didn’t expect to enjoy. This book felt very warm and was a great December (bc obviously had to wait till dec to read it) read. I really enjoyed the goblin and sexton story for the absurdness of it. The second essay was very cozy, and had me both reminiscing over christmases past, and getting excited to celebrate Christmas this year. The last essay was the only one I was like meh about, but maybe w a reread someday I’ll feel diff. Dickens just uses a lot of Victorian language that be getting me, but I love that you can read this in a day. Regardless, this tiny novel did have me thinking about Christmas, my personal family Christmas, how that’s changed over the years, and just overall was a sweet festive read.

[Marilyn Fontane · Rating 2 out of 5]

Christmas with Charles Dickens was a freebee at B & N for premium members. It contains one short story, The Story of the Goblin Who Stole a Sexton," and two essays, "A Christmas Dinner" and "What Christmas Is as We Grow Older." The story is an interesting prelude to "A Christmas Carol," and the first essay, "A Christmas Dinner," is descriptive of Victorian times, and the second, "What Christmas Is as We Grow Older" is a reflective view of a later life attitude toward Christmas. All three are what is often labeled inspirational. Brief, but somewhat interesting.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very thoughtful book about the shared experience of Christmas, and get togethers, and the joys and hardships that occur during the season.

There are three stories; one about a cold man who learns the meaning of life, one about a family getting together and enjoying Christmas while putting aside their differences, and one about what it means to grow old and experience Christmas while also accepting the darker and sadder parts of life.

It was a beautiful read.

[James Fagan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t know. The sexton/troll story is fun, like Christmas carol lite. The dinner is a nice slice of history. The final story? Essay? Is sort of lacking the charm and warmth of Dickens. I could barely understand it. But he said “Christmas” a bunch so it made the book. Last story is better for a Dickens historian than a casual reader.

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a part of the Signature Select Classics. This one is Christmas with Charles Dickens. It consists of 3 short stories: The Story of the Goblins Who Stole A Sexton, A Christmas Dinner, and What Christmas Is as We Grow Older. Because it was written in the 1800s, I had a harder time understanding as the writing style back then is different then now, of course.

[Conner Horak-Flood · Rating 2 out of 5]

A sweet bite of holiday writing, and I love how Dickens makes the holidays creepy. Nothing says Christmas more than a misty graveyard at night! But the essay about Christmas was far too sweet and rides on dime-store morals... which A Christmas Carol kinda does anyway, but at least we have the ghosts!

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

While not a huge Charles Dickens fan (I have read A Christmas Carol, and tried a few others), this was a fun read of his short stories. The first story especially was fun. A great (very) quick read to make you look smart and to get you in the holiday mood!

[Stephanie Thode · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick little read. Not one of my favorite of Dickens' works, but definitely not the worst. There are three short stories in here, and I would have to say my favorite among them is "A Christmas Dinner."

[Sue Gabianelli-danneker · Rating 2 out of 5]

short and entertaining

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5*

[Autumn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would rate it a 3.5 but I can't so it get a 4 because it was more of a 4 star than a 3 star read.

[Whitney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dickens is wordy. These short stories were just ok in my opinion.

[Ruth Axtell-Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

finished on xmas eve in tears. the last story was so beautiful

[brianna 19 · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Because….Dickens!

[Linda Stuckey · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 short stories. Short but good. 🎄📚😊

[Ryan Garrett · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first story is clearly the precursor to A Christmas Carol. The others were fine. I'm not a huge fan of Dickens' style, but a cute little Christmas book.