"Many of our American society's most enduring Christmas traditions come from the Victorian Age. Our idea of Santa Claus, the giver of gifts, became fully imagined in the 19th century. From mid-century England we got Dickens' London, with its top hats and tail coats, Christmas dinner, and Tiny Tim. From Scrooge, Marley, and the ghosts we had the quintessential example of greed and stinginess being redeemed into charity and giving by the miracle of love, family, and friends."
"The last Christmas in Brooklyn in the 19th century was typical of its day, and not so very different from the present. Modern 21st century folk would feel right at home there, because in all the ways that matter, at least until quite recently, our society is very similar to what it was in the late 19th century. Brooklyn was now a part of greater New York City, and New York City then, like now, was a society of haves and have-nots."
Many enduring American Christmas customs originated in the Victorian Age. The modern image of Santa Claus as a gift-giver became fully imagined in the 19th century. Mid-century England contributed Dickensian London with its top hats, tail coats, Christmas dinner, Tiny Tim, and the moral redemption of Scrooge through charity and family. Caroling, music, and decorated Christmas trees spread from Europe, with Queen Victoria and Prince Albert popularizing the tree. American traditions were subsequently added. Brooklyn in 1899 reflected stark economic contrasts: affluent children enjoyed lavish Christmases while nearby children faced early adult burdens, dependence on charity, or sole support responsibilities. Santa visited a posh Park Slope riding club.
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