Christmas Ghost Stories

Is it really the holiday season for a literature lover unless it's merry, bright, and a little uncanny? As we near the longest night of the year in December, the veil between this world and the unknown feels just a little thinner—a refrain of Samhain, if you will. That's probably why ghost stories feel so right nestled between pine wreaths and tinsel. Everything's extra dark, despite the candles and holiday lights.

There's a long history of feeling drawn to spooky stories at Christmastime: ghost stories were a staple feature of Christmas "relaxation" in Victorian England. Spooky, bone-chilling stories gave people a way to pass the time while huddled by the fire before electricity. Longer midwinter nights meant that work usually stopped at dark to create hours of leisure time that needed filling. If you want to get in the mood for the merry / ghostly season, and are tired of the same old tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, cozy up with one of these Christmas ghost stories.

The Chimes by Charles Dickens

While A Christmas Carol is a global classic, there's actually a lesser-known Christmas book with ghostly and supernatural themes by Dickens that merges dark ideas into the holiday setting beautifully. Darker and more supernatural than A Christmas Carol, The Chimes focuses on "the spirits of the bells" that bring the main character on a journey through time that shows him the unwanted consequences of his actions. Like A Christmas Carol, this 1844 novel uses supernatural elements to encourage self-reflection. However, its somber tone can feel more poignant.

The Dead by James Joyce

In James Joyce's The Dead, a Christmas party with a ghostly, dark atmosphere hosts both literal ghosts and personal ghosts. With commentary on turn-of-the-century Irish society woven into the context, this introspective read explores themes of love, loss, memories, and tradition that can feel especially striking during the holiday season and end of another year.

The Woman in Black by Susan Hill

This 1983 Victorian Gothic novel uses a classic storyteller format centered on a man recalling a chilling experience he once had to a group on Christmas Eve. As Arthur Kipps claims, he was sent to settle the affairs of a dead woman at the remote Eel Marsh House early in his career as a solicitor. Moody and chilling, this tale speaks of themes of loss, isolation, and a vengeful ghost.

The Winter Spirits: Ghostly Tales for Frosty Nights (Multiple Authors)

Ghost stories are always best when they're part of anthologies you can dig into night after night. Published in 2023, The Winter Spirits: Ghostly Tales for Frosty Nights features 12 traditional haunted tales told at Christmastime around the globe over the centuries. Enjoy classic stories with twists that entertain a modern audience. Featured authors include Bridget Collins, Imogen Hermes Gowar, Kiran Millwood Hargrave, Andrew Michael Hurley, Jess Kidd, Natasha Pulley, Elizabeth Macneal, Laura Purcell, Susan Stokes Chapman, Laura Shepherd-Robinson, Stuart Turton, and Catriona Ward.

Source: https://www.history.com/articles/christmas-tradition-ghost-stories