Think and Drink: Scrooge’s Politics of Humbug
December 17 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm CST
Today, we recognize A Christmas Carol as a morality tale about greed, with Charles Dickens becoming “The Man Who Invented Christmas” by discovering the Christmas spirit. But, in its 1843 context, Dickens’s novella is a deeply political response to the horrors of the Industrial Revolution, the exploitative rise of the British Empire, and the political reaction to the New Poor Law of 1834.
Dickens issued a Christian appeal to his middle-class readers, drawing upon Dante for its famous Past, Present, Yet to Come structure. And, drawing upon Christmas’ roots as a winter solstice festival, Dickens borrowed archetypes from Celtic folklore for the spirits of Scrooge’s epiphany. Our guest speaker, Dr. Stephen Himes will explain how A Christmas Carol is not just one of the most popular stories in the English language, he will put the story in its historical, political, economic, and religious context.
Think & Drink lectures are free to attend and open to all ESU members and the public, but registration is required. You will receive at least one reminder email about the event when you register.
When: Thursday, December 17, 2026, 6:00 pm
Location: Casual Animal Brewing, 1721-1725 McGee Street Kansas City, MO
Tickets: Free admission but RSVP is required. Click here and scroll down to December 17 to RSVP.
Parking: Street parking available but arrive early for best choices and for best non-reserved open seating.
About Stephen Himes
Dr. Stephen Himes is a professional educator who specializes in innovative curriculum design that explores what’s possible in education, with an intensive focus on student experience and skill development. He transitioned from classroom teaching into curriculum design and developed a unique interdisciplinary curriculum, along with innovative, collaborative teacher coaching. He is the founder of “Living Literature,” a culmination of 25 years inside the high school classroom and courtroom designed to rethink the reading and teaching of literature. Stephen earned his J.D./Ed.D. with an emphasis on education law.
About Think & Drink Lecture Series
Think & Drink is an exciting new kind of event that combines educational topics with social gatherings. This one-hour lecture program was launched in July of 2025 by Casual Animal Brewing Company, a microbrewery in the East Crossroads area, south of downtown Kansas City. The lectures are held on the first and third Thursday of every month and bring together experts, academics, and curious minds for evening talks on topics that generate fresh perspectives, ideas, and discussion. No topic is off the table.