Academic highlights carols as the pop hits of Victorian Christmas celebrations

An academic has highlighted that many Christmas carols were the popular songs of the Victorian era. These carols, including "Silent Night" and "Good King Wenceslas," became part of Christmas traditions during Queen Victoria's reign, as described by Charles Dickens. Dr. Leon Litvack noted that the rise of leisure time and disposable income in the 19th century helped popularize Christmas festivities. This period saw the introduction of customs like the Christmas tree, turkey dinners, and the first Christmas card in 1843. Litvack emphasized that Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" played a key role in preserving and promoting these traditions. The story's themes of nostalgia and personal reflection contributed to its lasting impact on Christmas celebrations.