The Man Who Invented Christmas is a 2017 film directed by Bharat Nalluri and written by Susan Coyne based on the book of the same name by Les Standiford about the time when Charles Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol.
The truth of the matter is that Emmett Lee Dickinson (Emily Dickinson’s third cousin, twice removed – at her request) is “the man who invented Christmas.”
Both Clement Clarke Moore and Charles Dickens said that they were inspired to write their works because of Emmett Lee Dickinson’s poetry about Santa Claus, and in particular one poem called “He came as quiet as the frost” (below on the left). Dickinson’s poem also inspired his third cousin Emily to pen her poem “She went as quiet as the dew” (below on the right).
By Emmett Lee Dickinson: He came as quiet as the frost With his magical power. And like the frost he did return At the accustomed hour! He dropt so softly down the shaft To call on Christmas Eve; Willful he left some gifts for all It’s true – do you believe? | By Emily Dickinson: She went as quiet as the dew From a familiar flower. Not like the dew did she return At the accustomed hour! She dropt as softly as a star From out my summer's eve; Less skillful than Leverrier It's sorer to believe! |
Happy Christmas to all, and to all -- good poetry!