A Century-Long Christmas Tradition Continues in the Hi-Desert

Some holiday traditions last a season. Some last a lifetime. And then there are the rare treasures—stories and rituals that echo across generations, passed from one pair of hands to the next like a cherished heirloom.

This December, Inspiration’s Edge is honored to again present A One-Man Christmas Carol, a living family tradition more than 100 years in the making.

And it all began with one man: Dr. Delbert G. Lean.

A Legacy Born in the Early 1900s

Before radio. Before television. Before holiday movies on repeat all December long—there were stories. Spoken aloud. Shared around fireplaces, in lecture halls, in churches, and in community gathering spaces.

In 1904, while studying in Boston, a young Delbert Lean discovered a set of cuttings made by Charles Dickens himself; sections Dickens used when reading A Christmas Carol aloud to American audiences during the 1800s. Inspired, Delbert began performing the story each holiday season, developing it into an annual tradition that would last for more than half a century.

During his long career as a professor of speech at The College of Wooster, Dr. Lean performed hundreds of readings. He performed for soldiers’ barracks, reform schools, churches, high schools, colleges, community centers, and hospitals.

“I look forward to this appearance as the greatest thrill of the season,” he told The Wooster Voice in 1948. At that time, it was already his 39th annual reading.

By the time he retired, he had given well over 800 performances of the story he lovingly called “the bewitching tale.”

His devotion to Dickens’ masterpiece didn’t just create a tradition—it created a legacy.

A Tradition Passed Down Through Generations

Today, that tradition lives on through his grandson, storyteller John Ferris, who, just like his grandfather before him, performs the entire tale from memory: every character, every emotion, every spark of holiday magic.

And the connection to Inspiration’s Edge runs even deeper: John is the father of Ian Ferris, our Board President, making this annual performance not just a community event, but a cherished family legacy woven directly into the heart of our organization.

This isn’t just a performance. It is a remembrance. A continuation. A living thread connecting our present community to more than a century of holiday storytelling.

“Why the Cemetery?” — The Answer Is Pure Dickens

If you’re new to this event, you may find yourself wondering why on earth a Christmas performance would take place at the Twentynine Palms Public Cemetery.

The answer is simple... and very Dickens.

A Christmas Carol is, at its core, a ghost story.

A festive one. A hopeful one. A deeply human one. But a ghost story nonetheless.

And there’s something unexpectedly beautiful about experiencing this tale surrounded by a lovingly decorated landscape of remembrance. The Twentynine Palms Public Cemetery is more than a resting place, it’s a cherished landmark woven into the history of our desert community. Established in 1934 by WWI veterans who came to Twentynine Palms seeking healing, the site carries nearly a century of stories, resilience, and care.

For A One-Man Christmas Carol, we gather inside the historic cemetery—a warm, inviting space lovingly decorated for the holidays. With only 40 seats, the performance is intentionally intimate, creating a cozy, fireside-like atmosphere where every attendee is close to the storytelling. Soft lights, festive touches, and the building’s old-world character make it the perfect setting for a classic Christmas ghost tale.

Before the show, enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and other warm beverages, and delight in a special pre-show performance by The Jingle Belles, our local holiday caroling trio whose harmonies set the perfect tone for the evening.

It’s a rare and beautiful blend of history, heart, and holiday magic. And an experience you won’t find anywhere else.

Don't miss out on the unique blend of Dickens, Hi-Desert, and holiday tradition this Friday and Saturday, December 5 & 6 at 7:00 PM; purchase your tickets today!