The History of Telling Ghost Stories at Christmas

By georgelthomas on 20 Dec 2023 • ( 3 )

Hi everyone, I hope you’re all well!
It’s that time of year again—the time for eggnog and Christmas cookies, and as the winter nights draw close and turn chilly, there is no better time for telling a ghost story around the fireplace or, if you’re anything like me, reading them in bed at night. But when did this tradition begin? Why do we like to tell ghost stories at Christmas? Let’s explore!

The History of Telling Ghost Stories at Christmas

When it comes to Christmas, our minds are usually filled with images of lovely decorations, festive foods, big, beautiful trees and joyful celebrations with loved ones. However, Christmas is sometimes also known for its darker side, as despite it being associated with Halloween, many people have long enjoyed the tradition of telling ghost stories during the winter period, particularly in the UK.

For centuries, people have huddled together to tell spooky tales during the festive period to entertain and frighten themselves, with the tradition having some of its roots in the pagan festivals of the winter solstice and the Christian holiday of Christmas.

The winter solstice, also known as Yule, was celebrated by ancient people to mark the longest night of the year. It was believed that on this night, supernatural spirits roamed the earth, and people lit bonfires and candles to ward them off.

During the Victorian era, authors such as Charles Dickens and M.R. James wrote popular ghost stories set during Christmas. These stories were often told during Christmas Eve gatherings, where families would sit together around the fireplace and share stories of ghosts, goblins, and other supernatural creatures. Classic tales such as A Christmas Carol and The Turn of the Screw are still enjoyed by audiences across the globe during the holiday season.

The tradition of telling spooky tales during the holidays continued well into the 20th century, with popular television shows and movies often featuring Christmas-themed ghost stories. Podcasts and online forums, in more recent times, have become popular platforms for sharing festively spooky tales, too.

Whatever the reason, the tradition of telling ghost stories at Christmastime shows no signs of slowing down. Whether you prefer to read a classic tale by the fire with a mug of something warm, watch a spooky movie with loved ones, or create your own ghostly story to share, this tradition will surely keep us entertained for years to come.

So why not add a glimmer of spookiness to your Christmas this year and indulge in the age-old tradition yourself? It could be a fun way to bond with your loved ones and to keep alive a unique and fascinating part of our cultural heritage.

Do you like a good ghost story? Let me know below.

As ever, thank you for stopping by to read my words today!

Until next time,

George