A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens’s timeless holiday story, was published in London on December 19, 1843, and sold out its entire first printing by Christmas Eve. Written in just six weeks during a period of personal financial strain, the story follows the bitter Ebenezer Scrooge as he is visited by the spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come, leading him to repentance and renewal. Inspired by Dickens’s concern for the poor and his own difficult childhood, the novella teaches enduring lessons of compassion, redemption, and generosity. Through Scrooge’s transformation, A Christmas Carol continues to remind us in His Story that hearts can change, love can grow, and Christmas is meant to be lived not just for a day, but all year long.

Read the full article here: https://familyschool.org/spotlight/dickens-christmascarol-7

This episode was created using Notebook LM voice-overs and original research by Rosemary Pollock, historian and published author, who holds an MA in U.S. History and an MA in U.S. History with a focus on the History of Science and Medicine.

Produced by Isaac Okawa with American Heritage Worldwide.

The Nutcracker, the beloved Christmas ballet by Russian composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky, premiered on December 18, 1892, at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg and has since become a treasured holiday tradition around the world. Based on a fairy tale by E.T.A. Hoffmann and adapted by Alexandre Dumas, the story follows young Marie as her wooden nutcracker comes to life, defeats the Mouse King, and carries her on a dreamlike journey to the Kingdom of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Though its early reception was modest, the ballet gained lasting popularity through later productions—especially in the United States—and is now one of the most frequently performed ballets of all time. With its magical music, elaborate staging, and themes of wonder and transformation, The Nutcracker reminds us in His Story that God can speak to His children through dreams and gentle impressions, inviting us to listen for truth, beauty, and light during the Christmas season.

Read the full article here: https://familyschool.org/spotlight/nut-cracker-7

This episode was created using Notebook LM voice-overs and original research by Rosemary Pollock, historian and published author, who holds an MA in U.S. History and an MA in U.S. History with a focus on the History of Science and Medicine.

Produced by Isaac Okawa with American Heritage Worldwide.

Ludwig van Beethoven, baptized on December 17, 1770, became one of the greatest composers in history, reshaping music through his bold symphonies, sonatas, and concertos—even as he battled personal hardship and eventual deafness. A gifted child raised under an abusive father, Beethoven supported his family by age ten and published his first work at twelve. His early masterpieces, such as the “Moonlight” Sonata, reflected both deep emotion and spiritual longing. From 1803 to 1812 he produced many of his greatest compositions, and although he could no longer hear the applause at the premiere of his Ninth Symphony, his music changed the world. Beethoven’s life and the work of other classical composers who shaped Christmas music remind us that uplifting music invites the Spirit into our hearts—filling us with peace, hope, and joy as we celebrate the gift of the Savior.

Read the full article here: https://familyschool.org/spotlight/beethoven-christmascomposers-6

This episode was created using Notebook LM voice-overs and original research by Rosemary Pollock, historian and published author, who holds an MA in U.S. History and an MA in U.S. History with a focus on the History of Science and Medicine.

Produced by Isaac Okawa with American Heritage Worldwide.