The Fright Before Christmas
Surviving Krampus and Other Yuletide Monsters
- 2023 INDIES Finalist
- Finalist, Popular Culture (Adult Nonfiction)
Krampus and Saint Nicholas star in The Fright Before Christmas, a book of criticism that pulls back the mistletoe curtain to reveal myriad winter holiday creatures and traditions that serve serious social functions.
Christmas, Yule, Saturnalia, and other winter solstice holidays have more in common than not: messages of hope and redemption, along with the threat of punishment for bad or antisocial behavior. Krampus is one of the better-known punitive figures in this history: there’s been a recent resurgence of Krampus Runs worldwide. But lesser-known figures, including the cannibalistic witch Gryla and her Yule Lads, also populate the dark and cold nights. Even festive-seeming traditions like wassailing and mumming conceal a darker history of social inequalities that required redress, with alcohol and masks and merriment to propel groups into the New Year.
Showcasing extensive research ranging from historical sources to interviews, this book also contains macabre and funny illustrations and historical images, as well as numerous pop culture tie-ins to films and even the 1931 Coca-Cola advertisement that first solidified Santa Claus’s jolly appearance.
The Fright Before Christmas is an informative romp through holiday history, revealing not only the whens but also the whys of cherished winter celebrations.
Reviewed by
Jeana Jorgensen
Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. No fee was paid by the publisher for this review. Foreword Reviews only recommends books that we love. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
