The Fright Before Christmas

by Jeff Belanger Narrated by Jeff Belanger

Overview

Christmas time is truly the darkest and creepiest time of the year filled with devilish creatures lurking in the shadows waiting to get us. Best known is the Krampus, who has been the subject of films and songs. There was a time in the late 1800s when people sent Krampus cards, not holiday greetings. There are other violent and dangerous monsters from all over northern climes who have been hunting naughty children for centuries. From shapeshifters to mountain trolls, to elves, to heavy-handed cohorts of Saint Nicholas, the Christmas holiday has been filled with ghosts and monsters ready to dole out punishment to those who need it. The Fright Before Christmas delves into the folklore of Krampus and his friends with the elf-like Tomten and the goblinesque Karakoncolas. The Belsnickel is ready to hit us with his switch of sticks, and Gryla may drag you back to her mountain lair. And watch out for the Yule Cat ready to pounce! The folklore roots of Christmas under its many other guises (Yule, the Winter Solstice, Saturnalia) is examined in a different, darker light. The Winter Solstice is a time to be afraid. It's the shortest day of the year, the longest night. In some parts of the world, the sun doesn't rise at all. It's dark, and we have to wonder if the sun will ever come back at all. Christmas has always been creepy and with The Fright Before Christmas, you'll see that side. This is a book for everyone who loves a little darkness around the holidays.

Editorial Reviews

Library Journal - Audio

06/10/2024

Before Christmas became known as the most wonderful time of the year, it was considered a most terrifying season—filled with monsters, evil spirits, and other mischievous beings out to punish wrongdoers. Belanger (Who's Haunting the White House?), a ghosthunter and author who focuses on the paranormal, narrates his fun and festive traipse through Christmas's secular and religious history. His focus is not on beliefs but on the folklore and celebrations—Yule, Winter solstice, and Saturnalia—during this time of year. Belanger highlights creatures from many cultures, including Krampus, Belsnickel, Grýla, and the Yule Cat. He even delves into how ghost stories have shaped the modern Christmas season, exploring, for instance, how A Christmas Carol set the stage for Christmas celebrations in both England and the U.S. Additionally, he describes how the Great Depression led to the creation of the modern-day Santa Claus, who commercialized Christmas and kick-started the economy. VERDICT This quick listen is a delight for anyone seeking more horror than Hallmark. A well-researched and fun look at holiday traditions around the world.—Elyssa Everling

Product Details

BN ID:	2940159731722
Publisher:	Dreamscape Media
Publication date:	09/04/2023
Edition description:	Unabridged

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