Tags
American folklore, American Legend, apparition, Christmas, Christmas Tradition, English folklore, English Legend, English literature, Ghost, Gothic Horror, Gothic Literature, Gothic Romance, Gothick, Holidays, Medieval Folklore, Romantic Horror, Solstice, specter, Tradition, Urban Legend, Victorian, Victorian Gothic, Yule
Christmas time is here again. It’s the season for decorations and songs. Eggnog and cookies. Little men moving in the night, and a spirit of justice flying through the air. There’s darkness around those Christmas lights, and it’s always been there.
Americans have largely forgotten the tradition of the Christmas ghost story, but it was once a vital part of our celebration. We love “A Christmas Carol”, but fail to acknowledge the tradition of Yuletide horror that it represents. But, what could be more appropriate on a cold winter’s night than to shudder at a chilling tale? When our ancestors shivered from the cold, they also told stories to send shivers down their spines!
This year, have a truly traditional Christmas. Help bring back the Christmas ghost story! Remember that elves are kin to goblins, and Krampus comes too. It isn’t just the living who yearn to be with their families, and mischievous sprites still lurk in your Christmas tree.
Look outside. What left such strange tracks in the new-fallen snow?
Horror doesn’t end at Halloween!
The Engine of Oracles 
If the stars align, I might make Ghastly Affair my game of choice for a cool, Yule themed one-shot. Last year, I ended up doing a CoC one-shot based in post Weimar Germany focusing on Krampus as the big baddie of choice. I think I can evoke more mystery and horror using Ghastly Affair.
Great idea…now I’ve got 24 days to execute this.
Sounds cool! That also reminds me, I’ve got to whip up some GA stats for Krampus himself. Next Monday is Krampusnacht after all! The question is whether to make him an actual Devil, or a Fairy.
Good question…I look at Krampus like the nasty brother of St. Nicholas. Both members of the same family or opposite sides of the same coin. Perhaps a Fairy would be more appropriate, but either way will make for an interesting NPC.
Looking forward to seeing what you come up with.