Alex Matsuo's Blog: Why Did We Stop Telling Ghost Stories at Christmas Time?

 Alex Matsou is famous in paranormal circles and she has a great blog and podcast. Early in December, she wrote a great blog about why ghost stories are no longer told at Christmas. Here's that blog:

Why Did We Stop Telling Ghost Stories at Christmas Time?

Posted on December 2, 2020 by Alex Matsuo (You should follow her at: https://alexmatsuo.com/)

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Today, we don’t associate Christmas with the paranormal. Let alone see it as a time for ghost stories. Those traditions are for Halloween, right? Well, that’s not how it used to be. It’s oddly delightful that the most famous Christmas story of our time is also a ghost story. For hundreds of years, telling ghost stories on Christmas was a tradition. Some believe that the tradition pre-dates Christmas itself.

The History of Christmas Ghost Stories

Wait, so how in the world did ghost stories make it into Christmas tradition in the first place? This goes back to ancient times back to the pagan roots of Yuletide.

When winter came around, the nights got longer. People spent a lot of time indoors together and telling ghost stories was a popular past time. It makes perfect sense when you think about it. Winter was considered a time when Mother Nature was sleeping and everything is “dead”, so to speak. The Earth is going through its process of rebirth during the Wintertime. From a psychological standpoint, people start thinking about death and lost friends and loved ones during the darkest time of the year. Since we’re stuck inside, we have a lot more time to reflect.

Also, it helps that the candlelight created spooky shadows in the darkness. Let’s not forget that the Victorians had an obsession with death as well!

Before Christmas, Winter Solstice and Yule were celebrated. During this time of year, folks considered the veil to be thinner. This means that ghosts have better access to the world of the living. Even during medieval times, Christmas and Yule were a time for telling ghost stories.

Cancel Christmas

The Puritans wanted Christmas out of the holiday narrative. It was a time of debauchery and other sinful activities with lots of indulgences. We’re talking about food, drink, and physical activities. The Puritans wanted it gone, no exceptions. In the mid-17th century, Puritan leader Oliver Cromwell admonished Christmas. He said this based on the argument that the Bible doesn’t condone it. He also included that Jesus wasn’t born on December 25th. Well, he isn’t wrong. Christmas was put on December 25th to appease those celebrating Yule and Winter Solstice.

Before Charles Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol in 1843, he wrote several other Christmas ghost stories. If you look them up, their plots and themes were eerily similar. They all include a man who despises the holidays, and they change by the end of the story.

Christmas in Dickens’ time was unimportant. People rarely took the day off. The Industrial Revolution had a lot to do with that. However, when A Christmas Carol was published, Britain commercialized Christmas. It resembles the holiday we celebrate today. Dickens certainly had a hand in that.

The Decline of Christmas Eve Ghost Stories

Dickens eventually stopped writing Christmas ghost stories, and that contributed to its downfall. In fact, Dickens thought that he killed Christmas and that its ghost was haunting him. You could argue that Dickens was responsible for the sentimental value of Christmas we have today.

The commercialized Christmas we celebrate today in the United States is based on Victorian customs. Christmas cards, Christmas trees, stocking stuffers, caroling…that’s all Victorian England. Of course, their roots being from pagan customs. But, one tradition didn’t come over; ghost stories on Christmas Eve. Today, we get ready for Santa on Christmas Eve instead of gathering around the fireplace telling spooky stories.

When Dickens took a step back from writing Christmas ghost stories, other authors tried to fill in the void. But they didn’t have that panache that Dickens possessed. Those ghost stories didn’t take off like A Christmas Carol.

Why Didn’t This Tradition Come to the United States?

Today, ghosts and ghost stories stay in the month of October. Well, at least traditionally. We don’t see ghosts and spooky decor during November and December. Since some of America’s earliest long-term settlers were Puritans, it’s not shocking that Christmas ghost stories didn’t become popular.

Granted, America had Washington Irving and Edgar Allan Poe. However, their stories are rarely associated with winter, let alone Christmas. Irving tried though. He’s responsible for creating our modern depiction of Santa Claus.

Another piece of this puzzle is the immigration of Irish and Scottish immigrants to America. What exactly did they bring? Well, Halloween.

It is a weird blend of Irish and Catholic traditions with Samhain and All Souls’ Day merged. For years, Halloween was a holiday for the Scots. They actually tried their hardest to disassociate Halloween from ghosts and make it more about Scottish tradition. It didn’t catch on. As we know today, their attempt was unsuccessful. Ghosts and all things spooky eventually transferred to the famous fall holiday.

Popular Christmas Ghost Stories

Did you know that The Turn of the Screw was a Christmas ghost story? Yes, the same Turn of the Screw that Netflix’s The Haunting of Bly Manor is based on. The book by Henry James opens with a group of men telling ghost stories on Christmas Eve.

Another Fun Fact: Edgar Allan Poe’s The Raven takes place in December. It’s a Christmas ghost story!

As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.
‘Tis some visitor,’ I muttered, ‘tapping at my chamber door –
Only this and nothing more.’

Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December;
And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor.”

Excerpt from The Raven, 1845

One of the latest pieces of evidence of Christmas ghost stories came from 1915. Since then, it seems the ghosts and spooks of the winter went to Halloween for good.

So, who do we blame? The Puritans and Halloween.

 

Alex Matsuo's Video: EVERYTHING You Need to Know About Krampus!

 A couple of days ago I shared Alex Matsuo's blog called "The Spooky Stuff." She writes amazing blogs AND she publishes great videos about paranormal topics, too.  This one is holiday-themed, but it's about the darker side of the holiday and about Krampus! 

EVERYTHING You Need to Know About Krampus! 

 The Spooky Stuff with Alex Matsuo 

 Merry Yule! Krampus is one of the most popular and beloved Christmas figures of our time. But little is known about this half-goat half-demon figure. Where did Krampus come from? What does he do? How did he become Saint Nicholas’ right hand man? I’ll try to answer these questions as well as dive into how Krampus was almost erased from history not just in medieval times, but also in the 20th century!

VIDEO: https://youtu.be/EruFxDH3DjU

Q&A: Is the Strong Presence I Feel Telling me Not to be at this House?

 Sometimes when you go in a home and there are ashes of someone else's loved one, you may get a bad feeling. Is that a spirit telling you to get out?  Here's the question I received about that recently and my response: 

QUESTION: My girlfriend's husband died 15 years ago, also her father, both the ashes are in the house, she was very close to her husband. I feel a strong presence when I'm here as though his spirit doesn't want me here, or maybe it's just me? 

 MY RESPONSE: Sometimes we can sense negative energy within a house. If her late husband was a jealous man, he could have projected that negativity into the walls of the house. However, since he's passed and crossed over, spirits don't show jealousy, as they become aware of the wrongness of it. I would suggest clearing the home of negative energy with sage (you can get some and light it in a bowl, then blow it out, and walk the smoking sage around the house.

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For more information about negative energy, residual and intelligent hauntings, check out my books Lessons Learned from Talking to the Dead and Ghosts and Spirits (and my other 6 books) all available on Amazon.com

Give the Gift of Spirit! - Rob Gutro's 7 books on Amazon in Paperback and Kindle

 If you know anyone who is fascinated by the paranormal- like haunted houses and places with ghosts, or visits from their loved ones in Spirit, OR has lost a pet and wants to see if they're still around, please consider giving the gift of one of my books.   (Summaries of them are below) 

  They're all UNDER $10 and on Amazon.com. They teach people how to recognize signs from people and pets who have passed. They take you to haunted places from England through the United States (places I've visited and had experiences). They explain how ghosts and spirits exist and communicate with the science of energy. They offer ways to help you cope with loss.  - Rob Gutro

So give the gift of spirit this Holiday Season- https://tinyurl.com/vzy7kre

Summaries of Rob's Books

BOOKS

Ghosts and Spirits (2010)

Lessons Learned from Talking to the Dead (2011)

Pets and the Afterlife (2014)

Pets and the Afterlife 2 (2016)

Ghosts of England on a Medium's Vacation (2018)

Kindred Spirits: How a Medium Befriended a Spirit.(2019)

Case Files of Inspired Ghost Tracking (2020)

BOOK SUMMARIES

Ghosts and Spirits

Rob Gutro is a medium on the Inspired Ghost Tracking Team. He has been able to sketch ghosts and get confirmations from residents, and has helped cross ghosts over. The author explains the difference between a ghost and a spirit and how energy is the key to how they exist and communicate with the living. Read how Rob's dad's spirit helped Rob prove to his family his dad was at his wake and funeral. Follow along as he discovers Earth-bound ghosts in historic places and ghost walks. Read how his puppy Buzz proved pets give signs from the afterlife. This is Rob's first book as he was developing his medium abilities and was written to help readers learn to recognize signs and provide a basic understanding. Coincidences don't exist when it comes to spirit.

Lessons Learned from Talking to the Dead: Answer Guide to the Paranormal

Medium Rob Gutro's second book is written to answer any questions you may have on the paranormal. In this 2016 revision, six chapters have been added and information on ghosts and spirits updated throughout. Learn the difference between a ghost and a spirit and the energy foundation. Learn lessons spirit want us to know to live better on Earth.

Experience a "Spirit Treasure Hunt" of messages that prove a spirit was with all the members of his family and prove he didn't commit suicide. Meet the ghost of John Wilkes Booth and see photo proof of a ghostly face from a "Double Murder Ghost Investigation."

Experience cemeteries, battlefields and historic places. Learn about spirits of suicide, murder victims, angels and demons, poltergeists, ashes, slow death experiences, how to protect yourself, reincarnation and how infants and animals pass messages to the living. Many questions that you may have about the paranormal and how your love ones are trying to communicate can be found in this comprehensive book.

Pets and the Afterlife (1)

The love we share with our pets never dies, and the author proves our pets do communicate with us from the other side.

Learn how dogs, cats, horses and some birds have the intelligence and ability to send signs to the living after they pass. Take comfort in knowing our pets are around us from time to time and recognize the signs they give. Learn how they wait for us when it’s our time, what a pet’s ashes can do, and the difference between ghosts and spirits. Learn how and why living pets can sense entities. One of the author's dog works a ghost investigation and solves a mystery.

Read how spirits of the author’s 2 dogs and dogs from three other mediums communicated with them from the other side. Read about spirit cats and how a ghostly dog rescued a girl.

The author also volunteers for Dachshund and Weimaraner rescues and has several dogs.

Pets and the Afterlife 2

Pets and the Afterlife 2 will give understanding and comfort to any grieving pet parent. This follow up to Pets and the Afterlife explains how al pets can provide signs from the afterlife, includes messages Rob received and stories from others. These stories show ways dogs and cats are linked to their loved ones on Earth. The personal detail that pets can convey is amazing.

Ghosts of England on a Medium's Vacation

In author and medium Rob Gutro's new book: Ghosts of England: On a Medium's Vacation, you'll meet the many ghosts Rob encountered during two visits to England that may inspire a visit: *A ghostly screaming queen! *A prince's ghost who haunted Rob's room *A ghostly nobleman who acted as castle tour guide *Several ghosts shared their deathly pain *Friend's spirit sent his look-alike to help *Meet several famous historic ghosts, explore royal palaces, churches, structures, and cities. Come on this personal journey and meet some of the ghosts of England!

Kindred Spirits: When a Medium Befriends a Spirit

It's uncommon for a medium really get know a spirit so well that the living person considers the spirit a best friend. But that's exactly what happened to medium and paranormal investigator Rob Gutro. When Rob met his partner Tom in 2005, Ed's spirit came along for the ride. Rob never knew Ed in life, but Tom did. Now, Ed often communicates to Rob and has revealed his sense of humor, his heart, and helped solved the mystery of his passing. Ed's "Spirit Treasure Hunt" showed his family he's with them, too. Ed even sent a look-alike to rescue Rob during a vacation in England. As you read about this special spirit named Ed and his sometimes funny communications, you'll learn signs your loved ones send. This book will teach you how to be more aware of messages from your loved ones in spirit.

Case Files of Inspired Ghost Tracking

When earth bound ghosts have traumatized families in their own homes, Inspired Ghost Tracking (IGT) of Maryland has gone in to cross them over. In this collection of IGT cases, you’ll read about a very haunted Maryland mansion, many ghosts of Baltimore’s Federal Hill, the Burned Ghost, ghosts of two different time periods in one building, the dark things Ouija boards brought into homes, a ghostly attachment, a Steelworker’s ghost, poltergeist activity, the famous IGT “Double Murder Ghost Investigation” and many more. You’ll also learn about ghosts vs. spirits, energy and lots of Q&A. So, come along with us on these IGT investigations and learn that the paranormal is quite active!

8 Questions To Ask Yourself Before Getting A Pet- Especially at Christmas

 

As an author of Pets and the Afterlife 1 and 2 (and 3 coming in January),  a dog dad and a dog rescuer, I see a LOT of people "giving" dogs or cats as "presents" at the holidays. It makes me cringe, because as a rescuer, many of these animals wind up back in kill shelters days, weeks or months after Christmas, when the new "pet parent" fails at parenting and can't handle the responsibility. I always tell people:  Adopting a Pet is the SAME as adopting a human child- they just don't grow up, marry someone you hate, and leave you.  Pets always rely on you. So please DO NOT give a pet as a present. This should be the decision of the person adopting. You can pay the adoption fees, though, if they are okay with it. 

   Recently the H. Post published this great article about questions to ask before you adopt a pet. And it IS an adoption. BTW, We had Dolly and Franklin for 16 YEARS each. That's a LONG TIME, so remember that. I would give anything to still have them here but they' both passed this year leaving a hole in my heart. 

  Here's the article.

8 Questions To Ask Yourself Before Getting a Pet

 Experts share the important factors to consider before welcoming a dog, cat or other animal into your home. 

By Caroline Bologna, Huff Post 

 The benefits of pet ownership are numerous, and clearly, people know it. In 2020, dog adoptions and sales soared amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and one market research firm has projected that the total number of pet-owning U.S. households will grow from 68 million in August to 71 million by the end of the year.

“Pets bring joy, help with learning responsibility and compassion for others, companionship, stress-relief, and can be a great addition to your family!” Camp Bow Wow animal health and behavior consultant Erin Askeland told HuffPost.  Below, Askeland and veterinarian Rolan Tripp outline eight questions to ask yourself before taking the leap into pet ownership.

1)  Can I afford a pet? Even if you aren’t shelling out large sums of money to buy a pet from a breeder or shop, there are still costs involved.

“Fees for adopting a pet can vary greatly, but that’s just an initial cost,” Askeland noted. “You’ll also need to budget for veterinary visits with booster shots, bloodwork, fecal testing (for parasites), etc. depending on the type of pet you choose. This veterinary care continues throughout the pet’s life.

There's also Food, Training, Supplies (crates, leashes, beds, Pet Sitters, Day care, boarding fees, etc.  

ROB'S IMPORTANT NOTE: Dogs NEED Heartworm and Flea preventative. Our TYLER was heartworm positive before we adopted him. They weakened his heart. The treatment is also 6 months to eliminate them. My friend Dan cared for a shelter dog named Kuzco this year, who died from Heartworm. 

 

2) Do I have the time it takes to care for a pet? Pets ownership involves a lot of money and time.  “Pets require flexibility and time at home to allow for care, training, exercise, and cleaning. Some pets require more attention than others, but all require some daily interaction,” Askeland explained.

3) Do I live in a pet-friendly home? “You can make most living situations with a pet work, but if you live in an apartment, some pets will be more challenging ― dogs need to go out to potty and exercise, in particular,” Askeland said. She emphasized that pets should always be monitored, whether inside or outside and even if in a fenced area.  

4) Am I prepared?  Before you get a pet, keep in mind that you will be sharing life for the next decade or so. “When you are not prepared to give pets the time and type of care they need, pets can become anxious and a source of stress instead of the healing and happiness we often seek from pets.”.

“Once the pet is home, like a marriage, it takes a ‘for better or worse’ attitude and plans for the better,” Tripp said. “Resist bringing home a pet without planning or because you feel ‘love at first sight.’”

5) Is this the right breed for me? Do research the kind of animal you want to bring into your home to see if it’s compatible with your lifestyle. Think about different breeds and the characteristics associated with them. This is especially important for dogs.

ROB NOTE:  If you want a dog to lounge around, Consider a Senior dog - Animal rescues and shelters are LOADED with them.  because cruel, heartless idiots raise them until they are old, and dump them because they need medical care - Like our Dash, who was dumped at a kill shelter at almost 11 years old. 

. Factors to consider include the breed’s activity level, tr

ainability, and its tendency to be vocal and be friendly to other dogs or cats. If you or someone in your household has allergies, think about allergen levels as well.

6) Do I have a good support system and backups if I need help? “It’s best to have everyone in your home involved with caring for the pet, even if you are the primary caregiver,”  Also- think about who would take care of the pet in case of emergencies.

7) Do I have realistic expectations about pet ownership? “ Read books about the pet you want, talking to friends or family who have owned that kind of pet, looking up the cost of care and supplies that the pet will need, researching pet insurance costs, and taking a realistic look at your life and schedule to see how a pet fits in. 

8) Am I willing to make sacrifices for my pet? Reflect on your lifestyle. How pet-friendly is it? And if the answer is “not very,” consider whether you’re willing to make changes for your pet, whether that’s canceling trips, missing social engagements or putting less time into other endeavors. While you may be home a lot in 2020, think about how your life may change as the COVID-19 vaccine gets a wider distribution.  “If you travel frequently for work, a pet may not be an ideal choice because of the time commitment involved,” 

READ MORE: https://pethelpful.com/dogs/Adopting-a-Dog

Massachusetts Hauntings: A dark side to local lighthouses

The Patriot Ledger newspaper in Quincy, Massachusetts has a great feature called "Spooky South Shore" (of Boston) and this is an article courtesy of the paper. 

Spooky South Shore: A dark side to local lighthouses 

By Jessica Trufant, The Patriot Ledger Newspaper, Quincy, MA

 Posted Oct 24, 2020

Here’s the tragic and creepy tale behind Minot’s Ledge Light. Minot’s Ledge Light hasn’t had a keeper for decades, but some say that the victims of one of the most tragic lighthouse disasters in history continue to keep guard more than 150 years later. 

 Sitting about a mile off the coast of Scituate and Cohasset, Minot’s Ledge Light is often thought of as a beacon of romance, as it flashes in a 1-4-3 cycle, symbolic of the words “I love you.” And while lighthouses may represent light and safety, they also carry a sense of darkness that historian Jeremy D’Entremont says is undeniable, even at Minot’s Ledge Light.

(Photo: Credit: https://coastguard.dodlive.mil/    A rigid-hull inflatable small boat from the Coast Guard buoy tender Abbie Burgess speeds out to the site of the survey project. (Courtesy of Mr. Brian R. McMahon)

 “There’s a reason a lot of horror stories and movies are set in light houses,” D’Entremont, president and historian for the American Lighthouse Foundation, said. “Lighthouses are so isolated and dark, especially in stormy weather. It gets people’s imaginations going.” A self-described “open-minded skeptic,” D’Entremont said Minot’s Ledge 

Light has one of the more notable ghost tales on the South Shore that has been circulating for decades about the tragic demise of two of the earliest keepers. The original Minot’s Ledge Light was completed in 1850. Almost immediately, the first keeper, Isaac Dunham, started warning that the lighthouse wasn’t strong enough against the crashing waves, and swayed heavily even in normal conditions. But government officials ignored Dunham’s warnings, so he quit in October of 1851. 

 Less than a year later, on April 16, 1852, a fierce nor’easter rolled in while the new lighthouse keeper, John Bennett, was back on land. Two assistant keepers, Joseph Wilson and Joseph Antoine, remained there to keep the lantern lit and the bell ringing through the storm. Scituate residents reported that the light was last seen burning at about 10 p.m., and residents on shore heard the frantic ringing of the fog bell at about 1 a.m. 

The structure tumbled into the sea shortly after, but D’Entremont said there is evidence the two men left using the escape hawser before then. 

 A Gloucester fisherman reportedly found a message in a bottle two days later with the keepers’ final message: “The lighthouse won’t stand over to night. She shakes 2 feet each way now. — J.W. + J.A” Antoine’s body washed ashore at Nantasket, and Wilson was found on Gull Rock, a small island about a mile from the lighthouse. 

 The lighthouse was rebuilt in 1860, and automated (without lightkeepers) in 1947. D’Entremont said boaters have reportedly heard warnings to stay away and calls for help coming from the lighthouse in Antoine’s native language of Portuguese. “The legend is that when the seas are rough or a storm is coming, people have seen a figure on the ladder leading up to the doorway waving people off,” said. “I haven’t seen it and I haven’t met someone personally who has experienced it.” 

 In his own book, “Lovers’ Light: The History of Minot’s Ledge Lighthouse,” D’Entremont writes about Gustav Kobbé, a music critic and author who traveled to the lighthouse in the winter of 1893. He wrote of his stay at the lighthouse in an article that appeared in The Century magazine. 

 One of the passages from Kobbé that D’Entremont included in his book is about the tales he heard from the lighthouse keepers about the ghost of Antoine haunting the tower. “Strange noises have been heard in the oil-room — sudden rattling of cans and clinking of glass, as if someone were at work there. 

Stories are also current of the mysterious filling of the lamp and cleaning of the lens and lantern,” Kobbé wrote. “One night, as the midnight watch was drawing to a close, the keeper in the watch-room, who had been brooding over the destruction of the old tower, quite unconsciously leaned forward and rapped with his pipe. A few minutes later he was startled to hear an answering rap from below.” D’Entremont said keepers in the first lighthouse were said to have communicated between floors by rapping on a stovepipe. 

 Further down the coast, D’Entremont said Plymouth Light, also known as Gurnet Light, is rumored to be haunted by lightkeeper Hannah Thomas, who took over the post after her husband John was killed while fighting in the Revolutionary War. 

 And in Scituate, D’Entremont said people have claimed that the ghosts of Rebecca and Abigail Bates haunt Scituate Light. The girls, whose father was the keeper of the light, reportedly became known as Scituate’s “Lighthouse Army of Two” during the War of 1812 after they saw a British warship near the harbor and played the fife and drum to make the British think the town militia was approaching. Some have said fife and drum music can be heard among the waves.

Inspired Ghost Tracking Members talk about Christmastime Ghosts and Spirits ! (1 hour video)

If you just missed our 1 hour video talking about  how spirits of your loved ones visit during the holidays, you can see it here.  We also talk about the same GHOST that Troy and I met at the Ford's theatre, 1 year apart. 

VIDEO: https://youtu.be/66UVwtG3XlU

Alex Matsuo's The Spooky Stuff Blog: 10 Reasons Why Christmas Is More Paranormal Than Halloween

I've known Alex Matsuo for a couple of years, and she's an AMAZING writer and paranormal investigator.  She also has a fantastic blog called "The Spooky Stuff!" - That said, Here's a recent blog entry from her- and I highly recommend that you subscribe to her blog and check out  her videos. You can find her at https://alexmatsuo.com/. Enjoy her great holiday blog below. - Rob

10 Reasons Why Christmas Is More Paranormal Than Halloween

Posted on December 16, 2020 by Alex Matsuo

If you think that spooky season is over just because Halloween has passed, think again! December and Christmas have more than enough paranormal elements to make it just as spooky, if not MORE spooky, than Halloween. We all know by now that there are a lot of pagan elements integrated into Christmas traditions already. Sure, that’s creepy when you think about it. But there are so many other elements about Christmas that make it supernatural. Should spooky season continue into the holidays? YES!

1. Santa Claus

What being is more supernatural than Santa Claus? I’ve always wondered about Santa. Is he a magical human being? Or is he an elemental? The fact that Santa has the ability to stop space and time so that he can deliver presents to every child around the world is nothing short of impressive. But it’s also mildly terrifying. A being with that much power can certainly dismantle society and the human race as we know it. And yet, he chooses to deliver presents instead. How lucky are we?

2. Spooky Stories Were Told in Winter

Even back before Christmas was a thing, this time of year signaled the end of summer. Mother Earth literally goes to sleep. It’s a time where nature dies, so to speak. And what doesn’t die, goes to sleep. The days are shorter and the nights are longer. Plus, it’s cold outside. There’s snow. No one is traveling, let alone going outside to see friends after dark. So, people were inside their homes much more. Think of a crackling fire and flickering candlelight. It is the perfect setting for telling ghost stories. This was a thing for several centuries even after Christmas was introduced. Even Charles Dickens called Christmas Eve, “the witching hour for storytelling.” Sure, the tradition has died off a little, but it’s making a comeback.

3. Christmas Monsters

I recently covered ten of my favorite Christmas monsters in a recent blog. Seriously, what is more paranormal than monsters, witches, goblins, and more? We have Frau Perchta, Krampus, Gryla, and more! These monsters were mainly used as incentives to behave not only during the holidays but throughout the year. Most of these monsters would come out during the 12 Days of Christmas, which I’ll be covering later in this blog. But seriously, while Halloween has its plethora of traditional monsters, Christmas monsters might be a bit scarier!

4. Winter Solstice

The Winter Solstice has both scientific and spiritual significance. It happens the instant the North Pole is aimed furthest away from the sun on the 23.5 degree tilt of the Earth’s axis. Also, this is the time that the sun shines directly over the Tropic of Capricorn. Usually, the Winter Solstice happens between December 20th and 23rd, but most celebrate it on December 21st. Spiritually, it’s a significant event for us because it signifies a shift around the world. It’s a time for rest and reflection as the Earth goes to sleep. It’s a time for personal growth and discovering yearnings within yourself.

5. Flying Reindeer

Flying. Reindeer. Let’s think about that! These reindeer pals of Santa Claus can not only fly, but they can move at super sonic speed around the world. Or, they aren’t affected by Santa freezing time and are able to trying. Either way, flying reindeer might be the most extraordinary cryptid out there. What gives them the ability to fly? Well, most people say it’s magic. But what if they were born with the ability to fly? And why reindeer? Couldn’t Santa’s sleigh be pulled by a legion of Mothman instead? Well, if you didn’t have nightmares before, that’s a doozy for you.

6. Frosty the Snowman

This is another element of Christmas that’s honestly quite terrifying when you think about it. Remember the movie, Jack Frost? Yes, a kids’ movie but also the producer of nightmares. Snowmen are inanimate objects. They aren’t supposed to come to life. That is unless you put a magic hat on it. I’ve always been fascinated by the Frosty lore because it does have significant paranormal ties. The first thing I think of is haunted objects. Could you give something a bit more life by manifesting it into reality?

7. Inhuman Entities

Inhuman doesn’t mean evil! Not to be redundant from the Christmas monsters topic, but can we talk about elves and fairies? Yes, these inhuman entities, or elementals, play a significant role during the holidays. Elves are working tirelessly in Santa’s workshop to make toys. Fairies are contributing their powers to make the season more magical. If you look up different Christmas lore, there are a ton of stories featuring inhuman entities. It’s pretty cool when you think about it. But what I find really funny is that during the rest of the year, these inhuman entities are evil and want to end us.

8. 12 Days of Christmas

We all know the famous song, but what are the 12 days of Christmas, really? Today, we know it as the time between the birth of Christ and the arrival of the Magi. But the 12 days of Christmas has several meanings to different cultures. You might notice in Christmas monster folklore that a lot of these creatures are rampant during the 12 days of Christmas. There’s a reason for this. During the olden days in some parts of the world, these dozen days were considered unholy. Therefore, these Christmas monsters had the ability to roam the Earth. In other folklore, like the Kallikantzaros, the sun stops moving. So, it seems like the 12 Days of Christmas are a holiday version of The Purge for monsters.

9. Magic

Magic is everywhere during the holidays. It’s in movies, songs, and cards. We hear “Christmas magic,” “holiday magic”, “magic of Santa Claus”, the list goes on. Why is Christmas magic more acceptable during the month of December but not for the rest of the year? I may or may not be looking at a certain religious group here. Perhaps it’s not really magic coming into play, but everyone falling for the commercialization of Christmas? I just find it ironic. It seems the holidays are a time where people are less afraid of the occult.

10. Ghosts & Spirits

Besides ghost stories being an old holiday tradition, did you know that more hauntings are reported during the holidays? Well, there hasn’t been an official study on this yet. But there should be! I can only speak for myself and my team about it. We usually get a spike in requests around the holidays. I have a theory. I urge you to take it with a grain of salt, as it is just a thought. With Winter Solstice around this time, plus, the holidays being a time for family, I think spirits want to come back and spend the holidays with their living relatives.

Sources:

https://www.theholidayspot.com/christmas/history/elves.htm

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2018/dec/22/how-ghost-stories-have-shaped-my-life

https://www.travelchannel.com/interests/holidays/articles/its-a-paranormal-christmas

https://exploredeeply.com/live-your-purpose/winter-solstice-spiritual-meaning

Watch! A Great Discussion on Beyond Reality Radio- JV and Rob talk Ghosts, Kindred Spirits, and Pets

 I love talking with JV Johnson, host of Beyond Reality Radio. Yesterday, I had the pleasure of coming back to the show (my 3rd appearance) and we covered many topics. In the first half hour we talked about Pets in spirit, and about my book "Kindred Spirits: How a Medium Befriended a Spirit."  The second half hour we talked about some of the weird cases from my latest book "Case Files of Inspired Ghost Tracking."   It was such a great conversation, and I know you'll enjoy listening to it. Here's the show: 

VIDEO  https://youtu.be/HMT6PPbg6T4

TO GET ROB'S BOOKS ON AMAZON: Click here to go to Rob's Amazon page

Live Interview TONIGHT at 11pm ET and On-Line Events: Dec 19, 20, 24th!

There are 4 more on-line events as we head toward Christmas, and the next one happens tonight, Thursday, Dec. 17. Here's a rundown on that event and the following three. Hope you can tune in.- Rob

**LIVE BROADCAST** Thurs. Dec. 17 at 11 pm EST Rob Returns as a Guest on Beyond Reality Radio  Hosted by JV Johnson about Paranormal Cases of the Inspired Ghost Tracking group (based on Rob's new book)  LISTEN: http://www.beyondrealitywithjv.com/ ; 

 www.youtube.com/c/jvjohnson // www.twitch.tv/jvjohnson 

**FACEBOOK LIVE-Sat. Dec. 19 at 7pm ET, Christmas Ghost and Spirit Stoires! - Join Rob, Troy and Margaret from Inspired Ghost TrackingListen / Watch Live: https://www.facebook.com/inspiredghost  

**LIVE ON-AIR INTERVIEW** Sun. Dec. 20 at 5 p.m. ET Rob talks Pets and the Afterlife w/Host Greg Bakun of Ghost Box Radio, live on AM950Radio in the Twin Cities!  LISTEN:  http://www.am950radio.com/

*CHRISTMAS GHOST STORY SHORT VIDEO (20 mins)*Thurs. Dec. 24 at 7pm ET -Meet the 3 Ghosts of Christmas Past from the Fords Theatre. Rob Gutro Talks about 3 ghosts he met. A Westminster Public Library program. https://www.facebook.com/WestminsterBranchLibrary