Washington Irving 
OLD CHRISTMAS (Illustrated) 
Warm-Hearted Tales of Christmas Festivities & Celebrations

Washington Irving’s ‘Old Christmas (Illustrated)’ is a nostalgic and heartwarming collection of stories that capture the spirit of the holiday season in rural England. Through vivid descriptions and charming characters, Irving paints a vivid picture of Christmas traditions and festivities in the English countryside, providing readers with a glimpse into a bygone era. Written in a descriptive and engaging style, the book transports readers to a simpler time, where the joy of Christmas is celebrated with warmth and sincerity. This literary work showcases Irving’s ability to intertwine folklore with his own unique storytelling, creating a timeless classic that continues to enchant readers of all ages. Washington Irving, known for his contributions to American literature with iconic works such as ‘The Legend of Sleepy Hollow’ and ‘Rip Van Winkle, ‘ draws inspiration from his travels in England and his love for folklore to bring ‘Old Christmas’ to life. His meticulous attention to detail and gift for storytelling shine through in this charming collection, making it a delightful read for anyone seeking to experience the magic of Christmas through the eyes of a master storyteller.

About the author

Washington Irving (1783–1859) was an American short story writer, essayist, biographer, historian, and diplomat, recognized as one of the first to earn acclaim as an American writer on the international stage. His delightful blend of humor and pathos, along with his innovative use of pseudonyms and fictional narrators, has secured his position as a seminal figure in the development of American literature. A foremost figure in American literary romanticism, Irving is best known for ‘The Legend of Sleepy Hollow’ and ‘Rip Van Winkle’, both of which appear in his collection ‘The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent.’. ‘Old Christmas’ is another feather in his cap; it offers a richly illustrated journey into the traditional celebrations of Yuletide. The work is a nostalgic recollection of old British festivities surrounding Christmas, evoking imagery of warm hearths and genial merrymaking, and has contributed to revitalizing the Christmas holiday in America and England. Irving’s style is characterized by his inventive reimagining of popular myths and European folklore within a New World context, a fusion that often explores contrasts between the innocent past and a present fraught with both skepticism and possibility. His writing exerted a profound influence on American culture and literature, paving the way for future generations of writers.