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With a joyful celebration of family love and communal bonds at its heart, Charles Dickens’s story A Christmas Carol has often been credited with creating our modern idea of Christmas. Published on December 19 1843, the first edition sold out rapidly and the story was immediately adapted onto the Victorian…

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Editorial: Charles Dickens’ fable created an imagery of urban poverty that haunts us today, but don’t think Scrooge’s about-turn is a recipe for social justice

From Charles Dickens to M.R. James, Christmas has a long association with ghost stories. In The Shepherd – part of Disney+’s festive fare for this year – we have an evocative addition to the genre.

Joe Biden left in a bind as Israel tells US it needs ‘months’ to defeat Hamas. Plus, Ukraine stung after Hungary’s Viktor Orbán blocks EU war funding

Festival a ‘flight from reality’ for expected 125,000 visitors to enjoy street theatre and Victorian treats

Fondue and a special yule log are also among the treats being served up on Berry’s tour of the Highlands. Plus, A League of Their Own get into the festive spirit. Here’s what to watch this evening

These top free winter holiday lessons and activities are easy to access, use and enjoy for teachers and students alike.

Lionel Bart’s classic musical is all light and shade in James Brining’s in-the-round revival; actors and audience ad-lib with aplomb in a seaside Beauty and the Beast; plus, a camp and catchy Snow Queen

Volunteers wielding trowels in Greenwich are among many exploring sites as community digs boom across the UK

Here are some stories behind A Christmas Carol, both the novella and its various adaptations.