The Fright Before Christmas, Jeff Belanger
The Fright Before Christmas, Jeff Belanger
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The Fright Before Christmas

Author: Jeff Belanger

Narrator: Jeff Belanger

Unabridged: 3 hr 2 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 09/04/2023

Synopsis

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.

About Jeff Belanger

Jeff Belanger is one of the most visible and prolific researchers of legends and lore today. A natural storyteller, he’s the award-winning, Emmy-nominated host, writer, and producer of the New England Legends series (and podcast) and the author of over a dozen books. He founded Ghostvillage.com—one of the Web’s most popular paranormal destinations—and has served as the writer and researcher on numerous television series, including every episode of Ghost Adventures (25 seasons and counting).

Reviews

Goodreads review by Rachel (TheShadesofOrange)

3.5 Stars Video Review: [URL not allowed] This was an interesting history of Christmas that focuses on the creepy aspects of the holidays. I'm glad it was short because there didn't seem to be enough meat to justify a longer book. I appreciated the Office references. I enjoyed it bit I wish......more

Goodreads review by Syn

If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about the legends and lore behind the holiday season that are of a stranger nature; The Fright Before Christmas is your book. This book takes us back to times of yore. From Krampus, to the Belsnickel, Grylla, and more. Exploring the history behind Saint Nicholas an......more

Goodreads review by Irene Well Worth A Read

Just a super quick review today because I'm still on a break. The Fright Before Christmas by Jeff Belanger is a well-researched, entertaining, and informative look at the history of Christmas, Santa, Krampus, Belsnickel, The Yule Cat, and more. It includes the traditions, beliefs, and origins of Chri......more

Goodreads review by Nina The Wandering Reader

“The Winter Solstice is a time to be afraid. It’s the shortest day of the year. The longest night.” As a lover of the long, dark, cold nights of winter and the holiday season, I was thrilled to receive a copy of this gorgeous book, written by Jeff Belanger who is a paranormal researcher, podcaster,......more

Goodreads review by Fatima A.

This is an interesting short book about the dark and scary history and traditions of Christmas. I initially picked it thinking it was a Christmas-themed horror fiction, but it was a pleasant treat to realise from the introduction that it was a historical nonfiction about a lovely holiday. It's a sho......more

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