7 Reasons why A Christmas Carol is Absolutely Worth Reading
December’s selection is none other than A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, the classic Christmas tale.
Below, I’ll share my recommendation for what to drink while reading, in the spirit of enhancing your time with this beloved classic.
Before that, it seemed fitting to also offer seven reasons why this classic novella is worth reading this December.
It’s the quintessential Christmas tale.
Of all Christmas books, none are so revered and heralded as Dickens's classic. Yet, for all the reverence, not that many people have read it. Therefore, to lean deeper into some roots of the season, why not read this classic tale?
It’ll deepen your appreciation for Christmas.
The novella was published over 150 years ago in Britain. That means it’s somewhat culturally removed from us today. But when it comes to how we celebrate the holiday today, so much from the book still remains true. For that reason, the book is a glimpse into what the celebration of this holiday looked like at another time and place, which only adds a deeper sense of history and tradition to our own celebrations today.
Charles Dickens is one of the world’s greatest authors, and this is his most-read book.
If you’re looking to push on in the never-ending pursuit of becoming well-read, this is a great addition to your catalog. It’s a quick read, and if you’ve never read Dickens, it serves as the perfect introduction to one of the greatest authors to have ever picked up a pen.
You’ll see how this classic novella has shaped and inspired so many others.
I think it’s fair to say that without A Christmas Carol, neither The Grinch nor It’s A Wonderful Life would exist. Personally, I’m glad all three do. Once you get familiar with this novella, the original source, you begin to see how the story has shaped so many others.
It’ll help you cut through all the hullabaloo to a more meaningful Christmas.
Sometimes it’s easy for the Christmas season to become a hodgepodge of our own recently invented traditions, which are mostly based on whatever Target and Starbucks are selling us, wrapped up with the glitter of commercialism. Amid all the hullabaloo, it can be easy to miss the greater significance of Christmas. This novella isn’t super religious, but it does portray a far more significant understanding of the importance of the holiday, one that isn’t just “mistletoe and pudding.”
The story is humorous, sad, spooky, and joyous—all at once.
At times, if you lean into your imagination, the story is straight-up terrifying. I tried to do it as a read-aloud with my kids last year, and after the first chapter, they shut it down. They refused to listen to it anymore because it was too scary. The book also always has me laughing and feeling the full range of emotions throughout. Because it’s a great story—one that you’ll enjoy throughout.
It might do your Scrooge-ish old heart some good.
Scrooge is a man who once had finer ambitions and cares in life. Then, little by little, he went off the rails, losing sight entirely of what matters in life. This story is about his redemption, and his coming to understand what truly matters once more. For that reason, it’s a story that can’t help but warm the heart, and remind us of what matters also.
So, come on! Don’t be a Scrooge and rob yourself of the chance to have one of the best Christmases of your life. Grab a copy, spice up some red wine, and settle down in the warm glow of Netflix’s crackling fireplace (episode 2, without the music) for a great time.
Mulled Wine
When we lived in Chicago, one of our family traditions was visiting the Christkindl Market in the Loop, and, along with potato pancakes and some delicious melted-cheese sandwiches, picking up a nice mug of steaming mulled wine.
Something about the drink just fits the Christmas season.
Well, we don’t live in Chicago anymore. And we’re not in Germany either.
So, I undertook the task of mulling my own wine this Christmas season, and after several batches, experiments, and tests, I found my absolute favorite recipe for mulled wine.
Also, towards the end of the novella, Scrooge enjoys some Smoking Bishop—which is a mulled wine itself—with Bob Cratchit. So, the drink fits the book well too.
So, this Christmas, treat yourself to some fine mulled wine.
Recipe for Mulled Wine (single cup)
3/4 cup red wine (something dry, like Merlot)
1 oz. bourbon
1 tbs. maple syrup
1 slice of orange, cut in halves
1 cinnamon stick
1 whole clove
1 shake ground nutmeg
1 shake ground cardamom
Steps
Heat a small pot over medium-low heat.
Squeeze the juice from one-half of the orange slice into the pot.
Add all other ingredients to the pot, and stir.
Heat until steam is rising, and the wine is close to boiling
(but don’t let it boil—this takes probably 3-4 minutes)
Strain the wine to remove the spices, and then pour it into a glass.
Add the other orange slice for a garnish.
Enjoy!
Next week, I’m sending a curated list of resources to help you enjoy and understand the novella better.
Until then, enjoy your reading!
-Trevor
Tried this mulled wine recipe and loved it. 👏🏼
I need to read this. Love Dickens but haven’t read this one yet. Also, the mulled wine is the primary reason I go to Christkindl market every year. 😅 Definitely going to try your recipe.