Abstract
The paper evaluates the significance of Charles Dickens' own life circumstances relative to his famous novel, "A Christmas Carol." The paper points out the speculation that much of his own life is represented in the novel's story, which emphasizes the importance of the primary characters whom he provides with vivid descriptions in different ways.

From the Paper
"Charles Dickens wrote his famous novel "A Christmas Carol" with a number of personal life experiences and issues in mind. His own life was filled with challenging ordeals and circumstances, which provided much fodder for his literary career. Specifically, "A Christmas Carol" serves as one of Dickens' most masterful achievements and his strong dedication to his craft is in part a testament to the experiences of his life. This novel continues to be loved and admired by many, particularly during the Christmas season, when there is particular attention paid to this story. The following discussion will demonstrate that Dickens' novel provides many similarities to his own life, addressing parallels between some of the challenges of his circumstances and their relationship to the story presented in the novel."

Tags:dickens, christmas, carol

Abstract
The paper offers an overall analysis of Chiaverini's most recent book, "The Christmas Quilt." The book recounts the story of an older female quilter who is forced to reconcile with the memories of her past. The recurring motifs are the themes of family and quilting. The paper examines the written quality of the work, themes, and recommends it to new readers.

From the Paper
"Jennifer Chiaverini's work, The Christmas Quilt, is part of a series of works themed upon quilting entitled the Elm Creek Quilts novels. This very recent work (Fall 2005) centers on the character of Sylvia Bergstrom Compson, an older female quilter who would like to spend a quiet, unnoticed Christmas holiday season, but whom is forayed instead into her personal `ghost of Christmas past,' through her family heritage. Sylvia is a reoccurring character of Chiaverini, and she appears in multiple of her many works. Other major characters include her friend Sarah (fellow quilting partner), and her husband, who did not feel inclined to celebrate Christmas with their own family. The setting of the tale is Christmas at Sylvia's family home; although most of her family members are long gone from this world, they reappear through the sudden discovery of a surprising family heirloom--an unfinished quilt."

Tags:christmas, quilt, chiaverini

Abstract
This paper explains that Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" is an example of classic literature because it explores the true nature of mankind. Next, the author reviews the themes of the story, which are morality, generosity, justice and hope. The paper suggests that the most powerful characterizations in "A Christmas Carol" are the ghosts of Marley and of the three Christmas Spirits and, of course, Scrooge, himself, whose transformation is the core of the story.

From the Paper
"Justice is another theme Dickens explores in the novel. This notion is significant because it delves into the reasons behind Scrooge's transformation. Scrooge's transformation does not occur simply because he is miserly, it occurs because there is something more significantly wrong with him. Scrooge's attitude represents a sickness that afflicts society as a whole. This sickness includes ignoring those in need, exploiting those less fortunate, and abusing the neediest. Scrooge only wants to help those in the way that he wishes to help them."

Tags:miser, hope, transformation, humanization, moral

Abstract
This paper explores National Lampoon's classic parody of Christmas films, "Christmas Vacation,"within the context of the family dynamics of the Griswold family. This family interaction is addressed using Dorthea Orem's model of universal self-care. This paper providse a thought experiment into the functionality of a fictional family through exploring the characters of Clark Griswold (husband and father), Ellen Griswold (wife and mother), Audrey Griswold (teenaged daughter), Rusty Griswold (son in early adolescence), and Eddie Johnson (cousin-in-law).

From the Paper
"In National Lampoon's classic parody of Christmas films, "Christmas Vacation," the family dynamics of the Griswold family can be addressed using Dorthea Orem's model of universal self-care. This paper will provide a thought experiment into the functionality of a fictional family through exploring the characters of Clark Griswold (husband and father), Ellen Griswold (wife and mother), Audrey Griswold (teenaged daughter), Rusty..."

Tags:lampoon, orem, care

Abstract
This paper discusses the traditions of Easter and Christmas, and the traditions that were brought from Germany: the Easter bunny, the Christmas tree, and even holiday sweets, all come from Germany. The history of the holidays and specific traditions are all examined, as well as people, places, and dates.

From the Paper
"German beliefs and customs have an undisputed impact on American life. Millions of immigrants emigrated from Germany into the United States since the founding of America. German Americans played an instrumental role in the success of life on the new continent. It was only natural that the early settlers retained their German customs. These customs have become integral into American life, and now shape many special events American celebrate. Many German beliefs have assimilated into mainstream culture, and are rarely seen in everyday society. Holidays in particular are important holdouts of "Old World" customs, because they are religiously preformed, and passed down from generation to generation. Can you imagine a Christmas without a Christmas tree? Can you think of Easter without the Easter Bunny? Easter and Christmas are just two examples of the many holidays that German Americans have played an important role in forming."

Tags:holidays, influence, international

Abstract
In "A Christmas Carol", Charles Dickens's skill with humor and character analysis is especially evident. This paper discusses how, at the beginning, the reader comes to dislike Scrooge for his miserly ways, but when he is changed by the visit of the ghosts of Christmas present, past, and future, the reader becomes sympathetic with his plight. It also looks at how Dickens provides a psychological explanation for Scrooge's bitterness and desire to live apart from the rest of the world, while paving the way for his reform.

From the Paper
"One of Charles Dickens? most famous stories that has been adapted many times for the stage and screen is A Christmas Carol, first published in 1843. This beloved classic has become a tradition of Christmas and Dickens? skill with humor and character analysis are especially evident in this tale. At the beginning, the reader comes to dislike Ebenezer Scrooge for his miserly ways, but when he is suddenly confronted first by the ghost of Jacob Marley and then by the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future, the reader's sympathies take on an entirely new meaning. Dickens provides a psychological explanation for Scrooge's bitterness and desire to live apart from the rest of the world while also paving the way for his eventual reform."

Tags:scrooge, ghost, miser

Abstract
This paper analyzes and describes a CD recording performed by The Tallis Scholars and directed by Peter Phillips entitled, "Christmas Carols and Motets". The paper describes the sections that the CD has been divided into and explains how the CD has furthered his understanding of early Western music.

From the Paper
"In the renaissance motets section, there are four settings of Ave Maria: for four voices by Josquin des Pres, for seven voices by Philippe Verdelot, for four voices by Victoria, and for double choir by Victoria. From Grove Music Online it states that, "One of the most important forms of polyphonic music from about 1220 to 1750. No single set of characteristics serves to define it generally, except in particular historical or regional contexts. It originated as a liturgical trope but soon developed into the pre-eminent form of secular art music during the late Middle Ages."

Tags:chorales, polyphonic, renaissance, texts, voice

Abstract
This paper is a critique of Tim Burton's fantastical animated musical, "The Nightmare Before Christmas." It discusses the film's themes, imagery and use of music. The paper expands on the visual qualities of the film.

From the Paper
"This paper is a critique of Tim Burton's fantastical musical film, "The Nightmare Before Christmas" released by Touchstone Pictures. This stop-motion animation disguises a quite conventional story about conformity and keeping to the status quo as a tale of ..."

Tags:Burton, Elfman, Oogie Boogie, Thanatos

Abstract
Discusses the origin of marketing in Great Depression. Examines the notion of selling trees to the mass market, its development into a multimillion-dollar industry., and the roots of the Christmas tree tradition in the pre-Christian era.

From the Paper
"Christmas tree farms and the aggressive marketing of trees, began in the United States during the Great Depression. According to Jones (2001), it was then that nurserymen could not sell ..."

Abstract
This paper critically describes the strengths and weaknesses of this novel, including those by published critics. The paper also compares this Grisham novel to his others and to other Christmas theme novels.

From the Paper
"John Grisham has been a number one best selling author for years. Known for his suspense yarns about the legal profession and the block busting movies that ensue his novels, such as The Client, he stepped away from that genre with "Skipping Christmas." Released in November 2001, this novel is a light-hearted farce of a man fed up with the norm of his life, and tries to step away from it all by skipping the holiday fanfare, and instead take his wife on a cruise. It is a very enjoyable read and remained on the best seller lists long after the holiday season was over. Grisham has obtained the fame and glory that few writers experience. His books are sold everywhere, from posh bookstores to the local market down the street."

Tags:best, selling, author, 2001, norm, farce, holiday, family, wife, vacation, novella, review, book, critic