5 Spooky Ghost Stories Perfect for Christmas Eve
Wrapping gifts, decorating the tree, baking desserts, watching family fare, and even caroling are likely five of the traditions you would do Christmas Eve, right? What about telling ghost stories? The age old tradition of sharing spooky tales and ghost stories was popular in Victorian England. It’s likely because of short and cold days, winter solstice, and even some old pagan practices.
Perfect Ghost Stories for the Yule
“A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens sparked a whole new wave of interest in haunted storytelling. The ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future kept us on the edge for our seats, wondering what Ebenezer Scrooge would do. Thanks to Dickens’ tale, interest in the paranormal during the holidays has grown exponentially.
Here we chose five stories which capture the essence of the season. These will haunt you well into Christmas morning.
“Haunted Man” by Charles Dickens
Dickens isn’t just known for “A Christmas Carol.” Here we have a college professor, Mr. Redlaw, who has had a difficult life. He makes a deal with a spirit, who happens to be a doppelgänger of him. What happens when you make a deal with a ghost? Probably nothing good can come of it. Charles Dickens dives deep into that theme, writing an emotional and creative tale. This book is also called “The Haunted Man and the Ghost’s Bargain.”
“The Ash-tree” by M.R. James
We’ve all heard about the inquisition of the 17th century. In England, there was a massive fear of witches occurring around 1690. Old Mrs. Mothersole is accused of witchcraft and the town’s squirearchy, Sir Matthew Fell apparently sees her climbing a gigantic ash tree outside his window. Weird. Mrs. Mothersole is promptly convicted of witchcraft and hanged, but before the noose is pulled, she puts a curse on the town. Complete with ghosts and spiders, this holiday ghost story does not disappoint.
“Smee” by A.M. Burrage
Who would’ve thought that hide and seek can turn so scary? A group of friends decide to play this game on Christmas Eve white staying in a large, dark mansion. Because, why not? They soon detect a ghostly presence that is playing right along with them. What is it? Between the strange shadows, creepy creaking noises, and suspicious apparitions, the buildup for this spooky ghost story is sublime.
“Number Ninety” by B.M. Croker
A prolific novelist and writer of short stories, Croker was known for crafting suspense in the best way possible. Her ghost story “Number Ninety” is a perfect tension builder. The story follows an outspoken skeptic of ghosts, Mr. John Hollyoak. After loudly proclaiming he is a non-believer at a party, the host invites him to stay in a haunted house. Nice. What could possibly go wrong? This hair-raising read is perfect for Christmas Eve and hot chocolate.
“White Witchmas” by Amanda M. Lee
Here we have a truly fun read – and a perfect way to get introduced to the Witches of Winchester. A prison warden lost his job due to a prison break, and the town’s school’s headmistress is found dead. Protagonist Bay Winchester starts her chilling investigation. This is just one book in Lee’s series of witchy reads. Cleverly spinning a murder mystery, witchcraft, and haunting themes, these stories are ideal for Christmas Eve reading.
A Few Parting Words
After setting out the milk and cookies for Santa – or for Krampus, (if you prefer), grab a book or your Kindle and set your sights on a good ghost story. It helps pass the time til Santa delivers gifts in the morning – and until your peaceful ride home, after the holiday hubbub.
