The holiday season is here, and the airwaves resonate with Christmas songs, each bringing its own festive cheer. Among them, Andy Williams’ rendition of “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” is one of my favorites. But have you ever really listened to its lyrics? The line “There’ll be scary ghost stories” might catch your attention. Today, when we think of Christmas, we think of joy, gifts, and merriment, which makes mentioning ghost stories seem unusual. Yet, this line echoes a once-rich tradition of yuletide ghost tales, a tradition that, though largely forgotten now, was once an integral part of holiday celebrations.
This peculiar tradition takes us back to Victorian England, a time when Christmas was not just about joy but also included the sharing of ghost stories. This practice was largely shaped by the era’s frequent experiences with death and mourning, fueled by high mortality rates and the prevalence of deadly diseases. The custom stemmed from the belief that the barrier between the living and the dead was thinner during this season, a concept intertwined with ancient winter solstice traditions. As the longest night of the year, the winter solstice has always been linked to the supernatural. In this context, Victorian society embraced ghost stories to delve into deeper themes such as mortality and the afterlife.
Literature of the day significantly enhanced the appeal of ghost stories during the Christmas season. Prominent authors like Charles Dickens were pivotal in popularizing these stories, often including them in Christmas editions of magazines and their novels and other literary works. Their writings merged the festive celebration of life and birth, central to Christmas, with a deep exploration of the supernatural.
At the dawn of the 20th century, the custom of sharing ghost stories during Christmas started to fade. This was due to changes in societal attitudes and technological advancements. New tastes and preferences replaced the Victorian era’s fascination with the supernatural and its eerie charm.
Throughout the century, the advent of radio, followed by cinema and television, brought about lighter, more family-oriented forms of entertainment. This evolution in media played a significant role in shifting societal trends. It led to brighter, uplifting celebrations and gradually overshadowed the tradition of telling ghost stories at Christmas. By the mid-20th century, the once-popular practice of sharing ghost stories during the Christmas season had almost entirely vanished.
Recently, the tradition of sharing ghost stories during Christmas has seen a remarkable revival. Evidence of this resurgence can be found in the republishing of various anthologies of Christmas ghost stories, alongside the creation of new, imaginative tales that capture the same eerie essence. This renewed interest does more than bring back the unique, spooky magic of the holiday season; it also reconnects modern audiences with a long-lost custom. Acting as a bridge between the past and present, it breathes new life into a tradition once a staple of festive celebrations.
This Christmas, amidst the twinkling lights, festive carols, and the cozy warmth of family and friends, consider reviving a charming old tradition. Dim the lights, gather close around the fireplace, and explore the world of ghost stories. To honor this tradition, I’ve crafted a short tale in the Victorian times style titled “The Phantom Coachman.” Reading this story as part of your holiday celebrations could add a delightful and intriguing twist to your festive gatherings, enriching the season with a touch of historical charm. Sending my heartfelt wishes to all my readers for a Merry Christmas, filled with joy and magical moments!