Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim…Charles Dickens classic Christmas Carol was first published in 1842. Dickens visited Massachusetts in 1867 and stayed at the Parker House, then a leading haunt for Boston’s literary elite. He performed several readings of the story. “Performed” is the right word. Dickens did not merely read but acted out the main parts. Dickens contributions have made Victorian imagery an indelible part of the Christmas celebration.