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Christmas and Other Horrors: A Winter Solstice Anthology — Gothic

Christmas and Other Horrors: A Winter Solstice Anthology — photo 1

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Christmas and Other Horrors: A Winter Solstice Anthology

Name: Christmas and Other Horrors: A Winter Solstice Anthology
Price: 18.99 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9781803363288

✍️ Josh Malerman

Reader Score

4.7

(3 reviews)

$18.99 ~~$23.00~~ Save $4.01 (17%)

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

Josh Malerman curates new horror stories about dark winter traditions and festive dread.

This anthology shifts focus from holiday joy to the sinister undercurrents of winter solstice celebrations. It examines how cultural figures like the Schnabelperchten and Mari Lwyd represent deeper fears associated with the longest nights. The stories provided by Malerman do not rely on nostalgia but instead present fresh encounters with supernatural threats. Readers find themselves in situations where hospitality turns dangerous and family bonds are tested by horrific forces. The collection avoids typical Christmas tropes to explore the uncanny nature of gathering during dark times. It appeals to fans of gothic fiction who enjoy atmospheric dread over festive warmth.

Key Themes

winter solstice traditions Austrian Schnabelperchten Welsh Mari Lwyd

Literary Context

The book draws on global winter solstice traditions, specifically citing the Austrian Schnabelperchten and Welsh Mari Lwyd. It connects these historical figures to modern fears of ghouls and hauntings during the festive season.

Josh Malerman

📚 all books by this author (49) →

Difficulty

●● Medium

Recommended For Fans Of

John Ajvide Lindqvist · Ramsey Campbell · M.R. James · Gothic Horror Anthologies

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Gothic

🏛 Titan Books (UK) 📅 2024 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781803363288

📚 This Book in Collections

📚 Horror Anthologies & Story Collections

📝 Description: Christmas and Other Horrors: A Winter Solstice Anthology

Josh Malerman curates a collection of new fiction that examines the darker side of winter traditions. The anthology explores how long nights and festive gatherings often bring ghouls, hauntings, and visitations into homes. Readers will encounter stories featuring the Austrian Schnabelperchten and the skeletal Welsh Mari Lwyd alongside ravenous golems and uncanny neighbors. These tales highlight the dangerous aspects of family reunions and friend groups during the holiday season. The book captures the heart and horror of the festive period by focusing on unwelcome visitors and unholy events. It invites readers to consider the frightening elements that accompany times when people come together for better or worse. The weather outside may be frightful, but the fire inside is hungry in these narratives. This volume suits those who appreciate supernatural fiction and gothic horror during the winter months. It may not appeal to readers seeking only lighthearted holiday cheer or traditional Christmas romance. The collection offers a chilling alternative to standard seasonal stories by emphasizing dread over joy. Malerman brings his established reputation in horror writing to this curated selection. He organizes the work as an anthology of all-new stories rather than reprints. This approach allows for fresh perspectives on ancient traditions and modern fears. The book is published by Titan Books and released in late October, positioning it as a seasonal release for Halloween and winter reading.

💎 Our verdict on Christmas and Other Horrors: A Winter Solstice Anthology

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🩸

Horror Reads editorial team

Horror desk

This anthology delivers a masterclass in atmospheric dread, successfully subverting holiday expectations by focusing on the sinister undercurrents of winter solstice celebrations. Malerman’s curation highlights the terrifying aspects of gathering during dark times, making it ideal for gothic horror enthusiasts. However, it does not suit readers seeking lighthearted holiday cheer, traditional Christmas romance, or nostalgic seasonal stories. The collection emphasizes uncanny neighbors and dangerous family reunions over joy, potentially alienating those who view holidays strictly as times of comfort. It is a bold, chilling choice for the discerning horror fan but remains inaccessible to general audiences looking for warmth.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

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Why this book is worth reading

Readers seeking an atmospheric alternative to traditional holiday cheer will find this collection deeply rewarding. It appeals specifically to fans of gothic fiction and supernatural dread who prefer unsettling narratives over festive warmth. Josh Malerman curates fresh encounters with uncanny threats, transforming familiar winter traditions into sources of terror. Those interested in the psychological horror of family bonds tested by horrific forces or the danger inherent in hospitality will appreciate this volume. It offers a chilling exploration of ancient customs like the Mari Lwyd, providing a sophisticated and darkly intellectual reading experience for those who enjoy cosmic and psychological horror during the winter months.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

⭐ HorrorReads editorial review Editorial rating 4.6/5

★★★★★

Seekers of gothic dread and supernatural unease will find this winter anthology compelling. If you crave cozy romance or lighthearted seasonal cheer, this dark exploration of holiday horrors is not for you.

Reader rating

4.7

Based on 3 reviews

Beth H.

March 14, 2026

Dread done right

Got it as a gift for a friend who loves the genre. There's real craft in how much is left unsaid. Already eyeing my next order.

Karen P.

March 29, 2026

Dread done right

Was skeptical at first. Some chapters are hard to read in the best possible way. The audiobook crowd will want the paper copy for the margins. Shipping was quick too.

❓ Frequently asked questions

No. Malerman focuses on the terrifying aspects of winter traditions, featuring ghouls and hauntings rather than festive joy or romance.

The collection blends gothic horror with supernatural fiction, exploring themes of unwelcome visitors and family reunions gone wrong in chilling, atmospheric tales.

📖 Who should read this

📜 Historical context

This volume continues the rich tradition of Yule tales where folklore meets fear. By drawing on figures like the Schnabelperchten and Mari Lwyd, it channels the ancient dread of the long winter nights. It stands as a modern testament to how seasonal gatherings often invite the uncanny, bridging classic ghost story tropes with contemporary horror sensibilities.