Old Christmas: Classic Book Guide and Free Edition
Old Christmas: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.

Old Christmas is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Irving, Washington (1783–1859).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"Old Christmas" by Washington Irving is a nostalgic celebration of Christmas traditions and festivities, written in the early 19th century. This charming piece reflects on the profound impact of Christmas customs in rural England, exploring themes of familial bonds, hospitality, and the joy of gathering together during the holiday season. Through his picturesque and lyrical commentary, Irving evokes a sense of longing for the simpler, merrier days of yore, underscoring the warmth and unity that characterized Christmas in the past. The opening of "Old Christmas" establishes a reflective tone as the narrator bemoans the fading holiday customs and rituals that once brought communities together. It depicts the preparations for Christmas, emphasizing the delightful atmosphere of bustling coaches, festive decorations, and the anticipation of family reunions. The narrator observes travel through the countryside, where children eagerly await returning home for the holidays, and introduces charming anecdotes about the warmth of hospitality found in English inns. Thus, the stage is set for a heartfelt exploration of how the spirit of Christmas enriches lives and fosters connections, bridging the gap between past and present traditions.
Book and edition facts
- Title: Old Christmas
- Author credits: Irving, Washington (1783–1859)
- Catalogue language: English
Catalogue subjects
- Christmas -- England
- Christmas stories, American
Gutenberg collections
- Category: British Literature
- Category: Novels
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View the complete Gutenberg catalogue record. Project Gutenberg identifies this edition as public domain in the United States; that designation does not establish its copyright status in every country.
Source notes
Catalogue metadata is public domain and is supplied through Gutendex, which imports Gutenberg's machine-readable catalogue. The automated synopsis is source-supplied, not an independently verified review. Author dates above describe the credited people; no ebook release date is presented as the book's original publication date.



