Today, the December holidays are all about joyous magic, warm evenings curled by the fire, and celebrations of the triumph of good and light in the world. Traditionally, however, the winter season also ushers in the terrors of the dark and the cold. One of the most fascinating, long-established cultural traditions that blends these very different impulses is the Christmas ghost story. Folklorists Sara Cleto and Brittany Warman trace the history of the winter ghost story, exploring how it became tied to Christmas and sharing tales.
