There is little doubt that Charles Dickens is celebrated as the world’s author. Born on this day in 1812, Dickens is regarded by many as the greatest novelist of the Victorian era but, for us at Vaillancourt Folk Art, we consider his 1843 novella, A Christmas Carol, the most important work of literature… ever. And while it has inspired us to create A Christmas Carol ornament series, prints, and even a Chalkware Ebenezer Meeting Marley, its message rings true every year when we hear Charles’ great-great grandson, Gerald Charles Dickens, perform the one-man show at our theatre in Sutton: “I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future!” As we celebrate Dickens’ 205th birthday today, we look to the traditions, lessons, and vivid imagery that is represented within the pages of A Christmas Carol. “And so, as Tiny Tim observed, God Bless Us, Every One!” Happy birthday, Charles Dickens! Dickens’ Dream by Robert Will, watercolor, 1870. Charles Dickens Museum, London