Countdown to Christmas

 

 

 

Simpler times, and by gosh, I'm old enough to remember gifts like that.  There was always a can of pipe tobacco under the tree for Dad. 

On this day in 1843 Charles Dickens published "A Christmas Carol."

It's hard to believe the celebration of Christmas in Victorian times was somewhat controversial. Puritans in England and America argued that Christmas was a holiday left over from the days when pagans celebrated the winter solstice (it was.) Many Christians felt that the extravagance of Christmas was an insult to Christ. 

But "A Christmas Carol" turned out to be a huge best-seller in both England and the United States and set the tone for Christmas as we know it today: a season of generosity, feasting, and merriment. 

There are dozens of "Christmas Carol" movies, but our family favorite is the 1970 "Scrooge" musical starring 34-year old dreamboat Albert Finney. Maybe tonight. 

This weekend is the final countdown before Christmas. On Sunday, the Winter Solstice, we're going downtown and see an exhibit at the Seattle Art Museum, called "Farm to Table: Art, Food and Identity in the Age of Impressionism." It's supposed to be excellent, then out to lunch somewhere and probably a walk through the crowded market. Our annual tradition...

Have a wonderful weekend.