Lucinda Hawksley, the direct descendant of literary giant Charles Dickens, has a fresh perspective on her famous ancestor, describing him as "totally woke" and radically ahead of his time. In a heartfelt interview, she connects his enduring spirit of generosity to her own family Christmases and issues a powerful message for the modern festive season.
A Surprising Family Legacy
Lucinda first grasped the significance of her lineage as a young schoolgirl. When a teacher asked the class if anyone had heard of Charles Dickens, she nervously revealed he was her great-great-great grandfather, expecting to be mocked. The teacher's stunned reaction was her first real understanding that her ancestor was a globally important figure. This family connection has shaped her life, especially during the festive period, where a tradition of welcoming those who are alone mirrors the compassionate ethos she believes Dickens championed.
Dickens: A Radical Ahead of His Time
While many view Dickens through the lens of dense Victorian prose, Lucinda passionately argues he was a progressive. She points to his fair treatment of female staff, his refusal to physically punish his children, and his self-identification as a radical who declined invitations to become an MP. Remarkably, she notes he even coined the term 'gammon' in his 1838 novel Nicholas Nickleby. This modern-sounding critique of certain right-wing attitudes underscores how his social commentary remains startlingly relevant.
The author's formative trauma—being forced to work ten-hour days in a blacking factory at age twelve after his father's imprisonment for debt—profoundly influenced his writing. Lucinda believes this direct experience of poverty fuelled the heartfelt urgency of A Christmas Carol, which he penned in just six weeks. "It was written to try and change the world," she says, seeing Scrooge's transformation as a timeless call to action.
A Christmas Carol in the 21st Century
For the Hawksley family, Christmas is inseparable from Dickens. Their annual ritual involves watching the beloved 1951 film adaptation starring Alastair Sim. As an adult, Lucinda continues the tradition by rereading A Christmas Carol aloud to her partner each year. Her festive philosophy is "more lights," embracing full decoration and the joy of the season her parents lovingly cultivated.
However, against a backdrop of global conflict, terrorism, and enduring poverty, Lucinda feels the core message of Dickens's story is more vital than ever. Her Christmas message for 2025 is a poignant one. "Just don't forget those who aren't celebrating," she urges. "I do think it's really important without ruining people's Christmases to just remember that there are so many people for whom Christmas is not going to be happy this year." In this sentiment, the voice of Charles Dickens's great-great-great-granddaughter echoes the compassionate, socially conscious heart of his most famous festive tale.
