Books Quote by William Sansom
““What is the colour of Christmas? Red? The red of the toyshops on a dark winter’s afternoon, Of Father Christmas and the robin’s breast? Or green? Green of holly and spruce and mistletoe in the house, dark shadow of summer in leafless winter? One might plainly add a romance of white, fields of frost and snow; thus white, green, red- reducing the event to the level of a Chianti bottle. But many will say that the significant colour is gold, gold of fire and treasure, of light in the winter dark; and this gets closer, For the true colour of Christmas is Black. Black of winter, black of night, black of frost and of the east wind, black of dangerous shadows beyond the firelight. I am not sure who wrote this. I got it from page nine of “A Book of Christmas” by William Sansom. Google didn’t help. It is rather true I think, that the true color of Christmas is black. For like the author said in succeeding sentences “The table yellow with electric light, the fire by which stories are told, the bright spangle of the tree- they all blazé out of shadow and out of a darkness of winter””
About This Quote
Source Book: A Book of Christmas by William Sansom, 1935
The author argues that beyond the festive reds, greens, and whites, the deeper hue of Christmas is black, representing winter’s darkness, night, and the shadows that give the holiday its contrast and depth.
In simple terms: Christmas is really about the darkness that makes the light stand out.
Key Takeaway
Notice how darkness highlights warmth and meaning.
Themes
contrast
depth
tradition
light
shadow
Mood
reflective
contemplative
Type
literary
philosophical
seasonal
When to use this quote
- holiday decorations
- family gatherings
- storytelling
- nighttime celebrations
Key Concepts
symbolism
psychology
cultural perception
Questions to Reflect On
- How does acknowledging darkness change your holiday experience?
- What light do you bring to the winter night?
A Different Perspective
The focus on black may overlook the joy and warmth that many associate with the season.
![“Rose: Look at you, beaming away like you're Father Christmas! The Doctor: Who says I'm not, red-bicycle-when-you-were-twelve? Rose: [shocked] What? The Doctor: And everybody lives, Rose! Everybody lives! I need more days like this! Go on, ask me anything; I'm on fire!” quote by Steven Moffat](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c7d/steven-moffat-2328_ask-me_rose-look-at-you-beaming-away-like-you-r_139153.jpg)
