The Victorians take full responsibility for the commercialisation of Christmas - the first Christmas card was sent in 1840 and Queen Victoria popularised German traditions surrounding the Noel including decorating the tree. The growing publishing industry was quick to recognise the extra pennies that people were willing to spend, so increased production every October to cater for this Christmas market, making it their busiest time of year as it still remains today. Inevitably there emerged many special Christmas editions, periodicals and serials and authors, probably led by Charles Dickens, created made to measure Christmas stories. The middle class families were a huge market as they were ready to stay at home, especially with unappealing winter weather, and reading out loud became a popular pastime. These Christmas stories were family orientated and as can be seen by the authors below everyone semed to join in. These stories not only reflect the era but endure as time honoured classics.
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