Hello Reader,

Long before the Grinch tried to steal Christmas, there were other forces that tried to stop the holiday from coming. Some of them succeeded.

In 1647, Christmas was officially cancelled. It had become so associated with carousing, debauchery, and gambling that the Puritans shut it down altogether.

Throughout history, politics and religion have both taken shots at Christmas, but perhaps one of its most insidious enemies was the Industrial Revolution. Cities modernized at breakneck speed, and the urban poor were so ground down by factory life that there was little room left for old traditions. It genuinely seemed possible that Christmas might fade into oblivion—just like Michaelmas.

(Never heard of Michaelmas? My point exactly.)

Then Charles Dickens stepped in.

When Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol in 1843, he wasn’t just spinning a ghost story. He was deliberately reviving the spirit of the season, bringing back old traditions in his modern world.

His tale emphasized generosity, family, and compassion, helping to popularize ideas we now take for granted—Christmas as a time of warmth in the midst of the cold. Ebenezer Scrooge’s transformation helped cement the themes of goodwill and festive cheer that still shape how we celebrate Christmas today.

Curious to learn more? Check out the full article for some fascinating insights into "How Charles Dickens created Christmas as we know it."​

A Gift for You

It's not too late to gift family and friends (or yourself) a copy of Angel from the Rust. For those of you who like to hold a real book in your hand, it's available in paperback and hardcover.

Want an awesome voice actor to read it to you? It's also on audiobook.

Also, a bunch of authors (myself included) have come together to build a massive giveaway of fantasy and sci-fi ebooks.

With 140 authors participating, you're bound to find one that catches your interest. Check them out—click the image below:

Hope you find some great new reads this holiday season.

Until nex time,

Jason