Each of these short stories was written specifically for Christmas. They combine concern for social ills with the myths and memories of childhood and traditional Christmas spirit-lore. The stories are: A Christmas Carol, The Chimes, The Battle of Life, The Haunted Man and The Cricket on the Hearth. These 5 stories were first published together as The Christmas Books in 1 Each of these short stories was written specifically for Christmas. They combine concern for social ills with the myths and memories of childhood and traditional Christmas spirit-lore. The stories are: A Christmas Carol, The Chimes, The Battle of Life, The Haunted Man and The Cricket on the Hearth. These 5 stories were first published together as The Christmas Books in 1852.