Mr Fezziwig's Ball, illustration by John Leech for 'A Christmas Carol' by Charles Dickens( London,1843). This novella was the earliest and most popular of Dickens' Christmas stories. Scene from the end of the book shows jollity and bonhomie, with fiddler (violinist) playing for dancers. Kissing under mistletoe, left, and evergreen decoration hanging from ceiling are vestiges of pre-Christian winter rites. Photo via Newscom