#yuletide terror

[screamingeyepress]

Gather ‘round the Christmas fire for an eerie tale: Smee by A. M. Burrage. A ghostly game of hide-and-seek awaits!

[marypickfords]

The Stalls of Barchester (Lawrence Gordon Clark, 1971) A Warning to the Curious (Lawrence Gordon Clark, 1972) Lost Hearts (Lawrence Gordon Clark, 1973) The Treasure of Abbot Thomas (Lawrence Gordon Clark, 1974) The Ash Tree (Lawrence Gordon Clark, 1975)

“For all five of these adaptations, Gordon Clark worked with cinematographer John McGlashan and sound recordist Dick Manton, who he credits with establishing the gloomy look that would be the hallmark of the series (as well as editor Roger Waugh who edited all the original series’ James adaptations save 1973’s ‘Lost Hearts’). Central to that aesthetic were the authentic East Anglian locations that have been the inspiration for many a terror tale, even aside from those of M.R. James.

‘James lived in East Anglia—the region that encompasses Norfolk and Suffolk—for most of his life,’ explains Helen Wheatley, citing this as one reason James set many of his stories there. ‘However, there is also a broader sense of the region as being rather out on a limb, a relative hinterland, which lends itself to ghost story telling,’ she continues. ‘In James’ stories, and their television adaptations, the geography and landscape of the region—expanses of flat land, the whispering grasses of the East Anglian coast line, sparsely populated agricultural land—has a particularly haunting quality.’

This landscape is key to the series’ hauntological appeal. Scholar Derek Johnston has an extensive catalogue of writing that examines nostalgia in relation to the Christmas ghost story—and the A Ghost Story for Christmas series in particular—and notes that the Victorian middle class idealization of rural life was subverted by James’ stories, which presented the country as peaceful on the surface but a place of dark, tumultuous secrets. He also points out that East Anglia is a land of invaders and colonizers, writing in his essay ‘Season, Landscape and Identity in the BBC Ghost Story for Christmas’ that ‘The connection to the local soil and landscape runs generations deep, but it has also been built upon the remains of earlier populations, with earlier connections to that landscape, overrun by the incomers...the landscape may encourage identification with the nation, but it also emphasises how the landscape is interpreted through the history of human action upon it.’” — Kier-La Janisse, from Yuletide Terror: Christmas Horror on Film and Television (2017).

[luxi-lilith]

Terrifier 3 was pretty dang good with the gore and practical effects! Gotta say though that scene with sienna getting slapped over and over again while she was tied to the chair had me dyyyying. Homie took that shit personally 🤣🤣💀💀

[spockvarietyhour]

[harmonyhealinghub]

Krampus - Unveiling the Dark Companion of Christmas Shaina Tranquilino December 28, 2023

During the holiday season, we often find ourselves immersed in the joy and cheer associated with Santa Claus, Rudolph, and all things merry. However, there is one mysterious figure lurking in the shadows of our festive celebrations – Krampus. Originating from European folklore, this legendary creature serves as a dark counterpart to Santa Claus, embodying everything naughty and terrifying. In this blog post, we delve into the origins and cultural significance of Krampus.

Who is Krampus?

Krampus is a horned anthropomorphic figure with roots dating back to pre-Christian Alpine traditions. Known as the "Christmas Devil" or "Anti-Santa," he represents punishment for misbehaving children during the holiday season. Contrasting sharply with Santa's benevolent nature, Krampus embodies fear and discipline.

Historical Origins:

The exact origins of Krampus remain elusive due to its deep connection with ancient pagan rituals and folklore. However, it is widely believed that this mythical beast hails from Central European countries like Austria, Germany, Hungary, Slovenia, and Czech Republic. The legend of Krampus gained prominence during the 17th century when Christians began incorporating elements of folklore into their Christmas celebrations.

Appearance and Characteristics:

Depicted as a towering demonic creature with cloven hooves and long horns sprouting from his head, Krampus strikes fear into the hearts of mischievous children. His menacing appearance is complemented by sharp fangs, red eyes, and a long pointed tongue that evokes nightmares. Often portrayed carrying chains or birch branches used for swatting naughty kids, he also carries a basket on his back to transport particularly ill-behaved youngsters to an unknown fate.

Cultural Significance:

Despite his ominous reputation, Krampus plays an important role in European Christmas traditions. On December 5th each year (known as Krampusnacht), people gather to celebrate the Krampuslauf, a parade where participants dress up as the fearsome creature. This event showcases the duality of Christmas, reminding us that good and evil coexist in our lives.

Krampus also serves as a cautionary figure, encouraging children to behave throughout the year. The threat of being captured by Krampus encourages them to be on their best behaviour, ensuring they make it onto Santa's nice list instead.

Modern Popularity:

In recent years, Krampus has gained popularity beyond European borders. His unique blend of fright and fascination has found its way into mainstream media, inspiring movies, books, and even an annual Krampus-themed run in various cities worldwide. Additionally, numerous merchandise items featuring his image have become highly sought-after collectibles during the holiday season.

During the festive season filled with joy and warmth, let us not forget the presence of Krampus lurking in the shadows – a reminder that while Christmas brings happiness and gifts, it also holds lessons in discipline and responsibility. As this legendary figure continues to captivate our imaginations with his dark allure, we must remember that every legend carries profound cultural significance and adds depth to our traditional celebrations. So next time you hear a faint jingle of bells or glimpse a shadowy figure out of the corner of your eye during Christmas time, don't dismiss it too quickly - it might just be Krampus paying a visit!

[sirwadewilsonfromimgur]

Deadpool and Wolverine: KCAU Christmas Special

(Part. 1 scene 1, the first Christmas season in the condo)

Kansas City Missouri, Earth-10005 2027

The yuletide season was busy for everyone in the Western cultural world. That's a given.

But for Wade and Logan they had added the extra hitch of having their wedding anniversary on new years eve... it wasn't necessarily intentional, in a romantic gesture to "match his lover's freak" Logan had impulsively (as he could) proposed to and married Wade all on the same day because that's when all his friends would be together in the apartment anyway.

Two hundred years of experience told Logan that the 6 months they spent living together (3 months officially dating) was all he needed. No need for a long courtship or engagement. Wade who conceivably heard wedding bells the day he abducted Logan from his home universe obviously agreed the second Logan asked.

Moving to Kansas city (an Impulse decision on Wade's part) had come with some culture shock for the whole family... Peter had adapted best to it. The guy had a whole midwest vibe about him anyways...

but that was on thing. All the people were disturbingly nice compared to the good people of New York they were used to... anyone chatting with you in the grocery store, even a complete stranger in Kansas city, is just being nice... In New York if some start talking to you apropos of nothing, they want something, or they're unstable.

The Next biggest shock was waking up November first and the entire town has already decorated for Christmas... like they were clearly choking down Halloween candy as they put up a metric fuck ton of garland and Christmas lights...

How the fuck was i supposed to know that Kansas city is the home of the international headquarters of fucking Hallmark... and that our house is 2 blocks away from it.

It's probably one of the many things you could have found out easily had you done a second of resurch, or you know asked me... before you bought this place on a fucking whim without asking me about it.

I thought you said you weren't mad about that anymore.

I'm not bub, but how the fuck can I expect you to learn if I let'cha forget you're mistakes. I hope you fuck'n like christmas because we live in a neighborhood that's made it, its entire god damned personality since November 1st.

This wasn't just the first Christmas in a new city. It was one of the first in which Wade and Logans Business venture was outlandishly successful. MFM had pulled in a profit in the millions. Peter had negotiated several lucrative contracts with government entities with black budgets...

spy craft and counter terrorism isn't something governments want easily tied to, especially when one man's terrorist is another mans freedom fighter... so they typically outsource this particular dirty business to people like Wade and Logan.

Needless to say, Peter would be getting a massive christmas bonus this year. On top of that, Wade had gotten him season football tickets... Wade still had no idea what the hype was about, but it made Peter happy... Wade just enjoyed the men in tight pants, and occasionally, Taylor Swift would show up...

whome wade always respectfully admired from a distance despite being in the same box suit... pop stars rarely want to mingle with people like Wade. A few people in the room knew roughly how he'd made his money... needless to say, they were polite but distant.

---

That christmas morning went about as extravagantly as Wade had hoped... unfortunately, not everyone could make it.

It was Wade, Logan, Peter, Althea, Vanessa, Laura and Colossus.

Wade had spent entirely too much money on gifts. Logan was uncomfortable, big christmases... big houses, big parties, they reminded him of his early childhood and christmass at the X mansion.

Bitter sweet... mostly bitter when he remembers how that world ended. But he put on a happy face as he opened yet another box with an Armani dress shirt. They'd spend thousands of years together... but Logan would never tell Wade that the biggest sacrifice he made in the name of love was not holding Wade when the bad dreams hit him, not stabbing hundred of angry men to save Wade when he's cornered on the battlefield.

It was letting Wade have everything he ever wanted despite desperately wanting to grab him and run into the mountains and never be seen by society again... Logan yearned for a simple life... But he'd give all that up just to see Wade smile. He'd endure one hundred years of ostentatious christmases or more if that's what made Wade happy. Never once would he tell Wade how much he truly hated christmass. That was the gift Wade got every year without realizing it. Logans' enthusiasm wasn't holiday spirit... it was love for Wade.

The things we do for love.

More story below.

Kansas City Missouri, Earth-10005 2041

(Scen 2 Christmas with the Kids)

This year was going to be special, mostly because Ellie and James were old enough to really get into christmas. Wade had spared no expense as usual. The kids even got an allowance so they could buy gifts for each other. Laura was even going to make it this year.

Laura had taken Jean up on her offer... much to Wade's chagrin... she was the Wolverine and a full-fledged Xman, not just a trainee (that's about as far as Wade made it) he'd have to give Russell a call too.

Wish him a happy holiday and check in on him... Wade wants you to know, for the record, he didn't forget about Russell... but he wasn't a parent, and it was decided that Wade was not a healthy influence... fuck'n Jean! So he didn't get to see him too often.

He didn't like it but he understood...

He also understood why Laura joined... Who was Wade to begrudge some the wish to "be somebody" to "matter"...

Luara had said she'd be in time for dinner anyway she'd miss opening presents with the littles. Tragically missed Kodak moment.

---

Ellie had woken up early. She was up before James, and she marveled at the tree presents piled under it in bright colored wrapping paper. She turned the lights on the tree for the full effect. She stared at it for a good minute before she broke her reverie and walked towards her father's room.

She quietly opened the door into the garishly pink and Black themed bedroom that morning. she knew the rules. No opening presents until after Papa made breakfast... it was time to expedite this.

She snuck around to Wade's side of the bed. Thank god they both wore pajamas to bed last night because the shredded blankets would have left them with little dignity and a traumatized daughter.

(Replacing bedding was a regular Occurrence in the Howlett-Wilson home they just hadn't gotten around to it yet)

Daddy... get up. Santa came...

Wade slowly blinked awake as his daughter inches from his face came in to focus.

Sweetheart... you know you're supposed to knock before you come into our room.

I didn't want to wake Papa... that's your job. You know what a grump he is before coffee.

He's a grump after coffee too. he said with a wink.

I'll get him up. You skedaddle and turn on some cartoons or something we'll be out shortly.

Logan... time to get up sugar tits.

Making groggy grumpy noises... bleary-eyed, he looks at his phone...

Princess, it's not even six in the morning yet.

I know, but Ellie is already up, and we're lucky she woke us up... the look in her eye said she'd play along, but if we hung out in bed too long, she'd start opening presents without us...

She is absolutely your daughter...

It's more true than he cared to admit, she loved and idolized both of them and always wanted to know details about Jobs they'd been on... wade ever the fucking filterless yapper had no qualms telling her thrilling adventures of flying lead and bloodshed...

Ellie was the only nine year old Logan had ever heard of that actively read Soldier of Fortune magazine.

That girl is gonna be trouble when she grows up

She just wants to be like her dad's...

I wish she didn't... I don't even want to be like me.

Oh Honeybadger don't say that... I love you just the way you are. Wade leans in and gives him a kiss. Marry Christmas.

Merry Christmas bub. he said, growling lightly as he returned the kiss a little roughly.

Oh... baby, we don't got time... you gotta make breakfast... now put on your ugly sweater... we'll circle back to this subject later.

Breakfast was the full Papa Logan spread. pan cakes, waffles, home fries, eggs to order, bacon, sausage, coffee, egg nog, orange juice, and the special Escuminac Canadian maple syrup.

Art by @nuggetpool-hi

After breakfast, Ellie bolted to the tree.

Alright, kids. you can open your presents. Kitten, run along your sister is gonna beat you to all the fun.

It's just so pretty, Dad... I wanted to look at it first. Marry Christmas. He hugged both of his dad's and headed towards the tree

You're a good kid, bub. Merry Christmas.

Ellie had already selected a box with her name on it and started opening her gift.

Papa! Look! Santa got me a Remington V3 TAC-13! Just like I asked for!

Wade did you give a fucking nine year old a compact shotgun!

Wade suddenly broke into a cold Sweat and thought to himself "I may have fucked up"

She specifically asked for that model he shrugged as Logan cut eyes at him sharper than the blades hiding in his forearms.

What! Santa didn't get her any shells

I really don't like how comfortable the Midwest has made you with guns. It goes in the safe immediately and only comes out at the range. It's not a toy!

So I'm allowed to go to the range now?

Logan face in his hands... father of the fucking year... he mumbled. sure sweetheart but we gotta get you hearing protection...

Oh sweetie funny you're dad should mention that... open that little box wrapped in red polkadot paper... looking again at Logan. What, I'm not an idiot...

Yes you are but I've learned to live with it.

For your information, I was perfectly comfortable with guns before we moved here. Remember silverware drawer gun?

Nice try, trying to change the subject,Wade. you did it. You get to be the bad guy. Go put that gun in the safe. Wade crest fallen walked up to the tree and grabbed one of the unopened boxes with her name on it, and walked over to her.

Honeybee... that is your gun. It always will be, no one gets to use it but you... but I need to take it for now. We wouldn't want you or James accidentally getting hurt. It'll be safe... in the safe, and maybe it'll make friends with all of my guns.

She let out a sigh, as she hugs the shotgun to her chest as if it were a stuffed animal.

It's okay, Daddy... I know, Papa isn't exactly quiet when he thinks he's being quiet...

Don't be mad at him, he's right... when it warms up, I promise I'll take you and teach you how to do trap shooting, we'll get some discs and bird-shot and make a day of it.

Pinky promise!?

Sure thing, kiddo.

The rest of the morning was not as dramatic. The kids had received more traditional gifts of toys, gaming systems, new clothes... and a box of assorted illicit substances for Grandma Al. My favorite! And a slab of Prime Rib for Marry Puppens.

After all the gifts were opened, James walked towards his dads with two boxes in hand.

Here, Papa. I wasn't sure what else to get you. Grandma helped me buy it...

Logan took the box from the boy's hand. Wrapped in silver wrapping paper was a box of cigars. Rocky Patel Conviction...

He opened the box and each Cigar was packaged like a gold bar...

Thank you very much James... he picked the boy up and wrapped him in the tight bare hug....

I can see why you needed your grandma's help... since your not 21 last I checked... Merry Christmas, I'll have one of these later... I love you, son.

Smiling ear to ear. I love you too. Merry Christmas!

Here's yours, Dad. Handing the other box to Wade.

Wrapped in hot pink paper was a rectangular box that contained a genuine Xman licensed action figure... a Vintage hot toys Wolverine that looked just like Logan.

kitten this is perfect! Wade threw his arms. around the boy and gave him a kiss on the forehead... thank you!

You're welcome... I saw it and just knew you'd love it.

After exchanging more hugs, James walked off to play with his new toys, and Logan leaned over...

Really... a doll, of me...

Logan... don't you know? I'm not just your husband... i'm you biggest fan, and its not a doll it's an action figure.

Whatever, just don't let me catch you pressing needles into it.

Logan kissed Wade. You'll get your christmas present from me later...

Logan looked up to make sure the kids were out of earshot. Wade... these cigars are a thousand dollars a box... I thought we agreed to cap the kids allowance so they didn't turn in to spoiled monsters...

Penut, it's christmas... I may have given them a bonus to budget with for gifts...

You're going to ruin them...

You look at those two perfectly behaved children and tell me they don't deserve every cent, I'd give them the Moon if they asked for it... and not just metaphorically penut I'd build a rocket and occupy and colonize the moon and make them its sovereign rulers...

I know, bub... I I'd probably help you to. But perhaps go easy on Easter...

But I already ordered the 30-pound chocolate crucifix!

Jesus...

Exactly, yes! I got the sexy one with rock-hard abs...

This christmas was probably one of the best. The memory of it was a treasure that Wade held on to... especially on the christmases to come that weren't as pleasant. But thats a story for another time.

The End

Link to next Scene

[elizabethminkel]

My latest fandom column for Atlas Obscura is live! I talked to the wonderful Daniel Cavicchi, who's researching pre-20th century terms/names for fans:

Cavicchi is particularly interested in the naming of fans and fan-like groups—the way a label suggests a fannish identity, and puts a boundary around its members. “I use words to think about the history of fandom, because it’s another entry point,” he says. “It’s something that’s visible, that left a trace, and we can kind of use them as doorways into cultures.”

It was super interesting to see the parallels with modern fandom history—the way some names are chosen by fans and others are bestowed upon them, and the way a name puts a boundary around a group and suggests a particular ~way to fan~.

(PS for this column so far, I've also written about 18/19th century sentiment albums, the Yuletide fic exchange, academia + fandom at Terror Camp, and fanbinders from the Renegade Bindery.)

[starsofarda]

Christmas with the Feanorians

I would like to thank @erendur for giving me enough rope for my shenanigans.

Tolkien, ILU but sometimes I need to take everything less seriously.

Of course TIS THE SEASON and I am in my transformation in a Christmas Elf, whilst my SO is becoming the Grinch.

Anyway, possible modern AU, the Feanorians and Christmas, stemming directly from this post.

So, we know how Feanor could be ©Extra™, but what would he be like during the Christmas holidays in a modern AU? Well, LOOK NO FURTHER.

I am basically copypasting my brainstorming session and expanding on it.

Unfortunately Feanor is a "go big or go home" guy when it comes to decorating for Xmas, figure the outside plastered in luminous deers, trees, elves, santas and all the works. You can spot his house from at least two miles afar. He will dress up as Santa*, show up with like all sorts of trinkets, hand-write "Santa's response letters" to his children. The inside of his house is cobered in holly decorations, Yule logs, xmas trees, xmas music all over the place. the guy is extra.

*or Father Christmas, your choice, regardless of who he dresses like he's gonna look like Jack Skellington from The Nightmare Before Christmas, he is very tall, very lanky and he's not gonna be a fat old man delivering gifts.

this also prompts several arguments over the xmas dinner with Fingolfin, cue Finarfin trying to be the peacemaker, all the "not in front of the kids", the "language" and all. In the meantime every single one of the kids, regardless of who's the father, is a different flavour of terror. Nerdanel is with her SILs and nieces, at a certain point Aredhel just starts a treasure hunt with Celegorm and his dog Huan. It's chaos. Maedhros is with Fingon and maybe Maglor, if Maglor and Finrod are not playing Guitar Hero. And so on. Also did someone mention "ugly sweaters"? Yep. All of them lovingly crafted by grandma Miriel (in this AU she is alive, just very divorced from Finwe, but alive). Grandma Indis supplies the wreaths. Grandpa Finwe is sitting by the porch and enjoying some eggnog.

All is good. Feanor and Fingolfin will keep arguing till the end of time. As it was pointed out, this definitely looks like National Lampoon's Christmas holiday.

Now, some clarifications.

THE ELVES They are indeed Feanor's apprentices dressed as Father Christmas's elves. They take turns. They are low key enjoying the attention. Speaking of. I rectify myself, it's not Santa, but Father Christmas and his assistant polar bear - reference to Tolkien's "Letters from Father Christmas". I know Tolkien would have hated it, but this is a modern au. Whatever floats my boat. As for the ugly jumpers: Ofc Feanor has the Silmarils surrounded by snowflakes, deers and red robins. His jumper is red. Maedhros has got a green one with winter gnomes and a "happy yuletide" in elegant lettering. Fingon has a blue one with an icy mountain and penguins with silver scarves and hats.

So. The apprentices don't really mind being hired as Christmas Elves, Feanor pays well and it's all fun and games. They basically get to be up to any shenanigans they can conjure up, because in Feanor's forge not only he is Extra, but his apprentices are the Least Chill on Arda. They will cause problems on purpose, only rule is "be nice to the children" and "don't damage property in a significant way", but everything else is game. They get to dress in fun outfits as a plus.

Miriel and Indis are both there, mostly ignoring Finwe and doting on their daughters in law.

As for the jumpers.

Grandma Miriel lovingly embroidered and knitted them all. Any bad look has been met by Feanor's death glare of "accept my beloved mother's gift or die painfully" and every year they are a must have, especially if the party is at Feanor's house.

So far this is what I have.

Ofc Feanor has the Silmarils surrounded by snowflakes, deers and red robins. His jumper is red. Maedhros has got a green one with winter gnomes and a "happy yuletide" in elegant lettering. Fingon has a blue one with an icy mountain and penguins with silver scarves and hats. Also if Mae has a green one with gnomes, then I envision Fingon with the same but in yellow/golden, but do feel free to envision whatever :p Celegorm has one with like a poodle with a christmas hat and scarf, the poodle looking very much like Huan. Maglor has one with like hollys and singing red robins. Caranthir has one with xmas trees all over. A&A have matching ones, both with snowmen wearing sunglasses and like a cheeky line. Curufin has one designed to show the jacket of a xmas elf and celebrimbor has one with the design of the ribbon of a xmas present.

There will be more as soon as I think of something else.

[film-in-my-soul]

the shoulders of a gentleman | 789 | finkpishnets / @madroxed

Summary: Billy’s perfectly aware that the only reason he keeps dragging himself out of bed at six in the morning on the weekends is because of Teddy Altman.

Simple Transactions | 1,250 | abp / @ferretrade

Summary: You can meet people anywhere--even at the bank.

Like the Change of Season | 1,521 | riko

Summary: Winter is particularly harsh this year. A scene from a hypothetical AU.

Magnetism | 1,839 | heartslogos / @heartslogos

Summary: They're like magnets pushing against each other. A pair of invisible forces colliding and holding each other up.

(See more recommendations below!)

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Summary: Billy Kaplan frowned as his fingertips hit the cardboard bottom of the tissue box. That was not good. It could, in fact, constitute an emergency of epic proportions.

I Don't Care What You Think (As Long as it's About Me) | 2,436 | ambitiousbutrubbish / @unclebabybilly

Summary: “Why don’t you think Tommy’s hot?” Billy sort of shouts, and judging by the look on Teddy’s face, that had come out a bit more accusatory and hurt than Billy had intended. Also, he’s pretty sure he leapt over the line from ‘flirty self-deprecation to get your boyfriend to tell you you’re cute’ straight into just plain ‘creepy’. Fortunately - or unfortunately, as has been the case in the past - Billy is a pretty devoted practitioner of the principle of ‘go big or go home’, and he sets his jaw firm.

Enchanted | 2,829 | akaparalian / @floralegia

Summary: Billy wouldn’t be here, because Billy hates school dances, but his mom had chastised and nagged and chased him out the door with threats to call teachers to make sure he actually went, after giving him some psychologist-babble about how participating in social events, such as school dances, was crucial to emotional development in teenagers, but you know, it was fine, because he’d sit in whatever his new school’s version of the Nerd Corner was and he’d be okay.

Let Us Too Yield | 6,576 | takadainmate / @takadainmate

Summary: Trapped and hurt, all Billy wants is to protect Teddy. And maybe come out of this alive.

J. Haydn - Hob I:96 - Symphony No. 96 in D major (The Miracle) | 8,598 | ambitiousbutrubbish / @unclebabybilly

Summary: Really, Teddy's only orchestral goal is to stay well away from all that String DramaTM. Falling for their harpist literally at first sight was probably not conductive to the plan.

All Who Are Hungry | 8,943 | Ardatli / @ardatli

Summary: Teddy and Tommy are staying at the Kaplans' place for now, but they haven't really considered the meaning of being adopted into a large Jewish family. ~A seder teaches them the true meaning of Pesach~ (Insert holiday cliche of your choice here). Shenanigans, horseradish, matzah and fluff ensue.

Look Where We Land | 11,742 | riko

Summary: Teddy has always privately thought they had something special. Something worth listening to.

For the Love of Dog | 11,750 | ApolloAttraction / @apolloattraction

Summary: Billy’s depression has been getting the better of him lately, so Tommy gives him a dog to foster. Billy doesn’t really know how a dog is supposed to help, but things do start looking up right around the time he takes her to the pet store and meets the cute cashier.

Genesis / In the Beginning | 23,182 | Ardatli / @ardatli

Summary: The realization was as awful as it had been slow-building, loud enough now that he couldn’t force himself to ignore it any longer. Maybe it wasn’t Teddy who was the asshole.

Lazy Sunday | 1,016 | Lady_Ganesh

Summary: Billy and Teddy hang out. Pre-series. Written for mixe for Yuletide 2007.

bombs over manhattan | 1,230 | constellatory

Summary: Post-Civil War, pre-Children's Crusade. There's a special kind of terror reserved only for that moment when you see someone you love go down, and you're not sure they're getting back up.

Making Up Is Hard To Do | 1,299 | lilpocketninja (Banah) / @banahbanah

Summary: Sometimes, Teddy is an idiot. This is one of those times. (For the prompt "first fight -- making up.")

Tonight | 1,617 | minumi / @minumi-chan

Summary: Tonight something is different. Although, it’s very hard to identify why exactly that is when your boyfriend is intent on kissing all sense out of you.

peace on distant stars | 2,009 | sister_wolf

Summary: Billy isn't sure what the Young Avengers are even doing here, in the middle of a superhero civil war.

can we get a drumroll, please | 2,227 | hulklinging

Summary: You can take the nerds out of band class, but you can't take the band out of the nerds. You can, however, take them on a crazy ride to rock star status. Teddy's still feeling a little winded.

These Are Your Shoes | 2,369 | atti (attilatehbun) / @recursivities

Summary: Billy and Teddy live in each other's pockets, basically.

The Final Move | 2,455 | fontech / @akaikit

Summary: Fic request: Cris asked for Teddy's thoughts on discovering that he's an alien. A Teddy introspective on the death of his mother, and the questions of his identity left unanswered.

Definitely Not Good | 2,648 | Sheeana

Summary: Billy hurts himself. Teddy is not (very) amused. A couple days in the lives of a couple superheroes.

Sketch Me A Text | 2,764 | aconitemare / @aconitemare

Summary: Billy made a strangled noise and grabbed his pencil, drawing some random lines in his sketchbook while he gathered his composure. Cassie leaned toward Billy’s ear. “I think he heard you.” “Don’t worry, that has definitely been noted and filed under Reasons I’m Never Leaving My House Again Ever,” Billy assured.

Four Eyes | 2,939 | Xander_The_Undead / @xandertheundead

Summary: Billy wore glasses, and Teddy had no idea why this new discovery made him so excited.

International Diplomacy | 2,984 | DangerousCommieSubversive / @dangerouscommiesubversive

Summary: The delegation from the Kree and Skrull Empires has arrived, and Prince William is ordered by his aunt to keep the visiting Prince Dorrek entertained. Somehow.

We Don't Put Our Hands Over Our Mouths | 3,324 | atti (attilatehbun) / @recursivities

Summary: Billy has never had good impulse control. Something pops into his head and he generally just says it, or does it - joining a super-team, anyone? - before he actually thinks about whatever he's doing might mean. So far he's managed to mostly avoid making a complete idiot of himself through some crazy combination of snarkiness and luck. But this time he's not so sure.

Love is Like Falling | 3,487 | Khirsah / @khirsahle

Summary: Teddy reached down and took Billy’s hand, threading their fingers together. The warm, gentle grip immediately derailed his words, his brain. “Sure,” Teddy said, squeezing Billy’s hand. “That sounds cool.” “Cool,” Billy breathed. “Cool.” “Cool.” Teddy squinted at him. “Are you secretly a Buffybot stuck on some kind of programming loop?” Billy snorted, turning his face to press his forehead against Teddy’s arm. When he breathed, his lungs were filled with the incredible scent of him. “No,” he said. “Shut up, I’m just having a spaz.” “Oh, well, in that case.”

Redefining Normal | 3,510 | Tangerine / @atangeriner

Summary: Normal is overrated.

A Little Like Mutant Manifestation | 3,886 | howlikeagod / @eternalgirlscout

Summary: Billy pulls back a little (normal), and grins down at Teddy. His face is flushed (normal), his hair is a godawful mess (completely normal), and Teddy wants him to take his clothes off (not normal at all). That desire slams into him like a semi-truck and leaves him gasping. He’s lived his whole life a little too aware of where his eyes catch, on the lips and hands of other boys, where his thoughts wander to kissing and holding in the darkest corners he can find. It’s never been more than that.

On Responsibility | 4,501 | natcat5 / @natcat5

Summary: It’s about responsibility, and being held accountable for your actions. He doesn’t have to tell Teddy, doesn’t have to tell anyone because- Because- It wasn’t like a suicide suicide attempt. He wasn’t- it wasn’t because- He was just trying to fix what he had broken. Clean up the mess that he had made. Take responsibility.

The Common Issue | 4,833 | riko

Summary: Billy has feelings about civil procedure, the firm's new junior associate, and the fact that his co-workers are all nuts, and he isn't thinking about any of them.

Scenes From A Teen Life | 5,252 | Etharei / @etharei

Summary: He's never been in this space before: broad daylight, his cheek throbbing, clothing dirty from the street, and at the same time floating, skin thrumming like he's using magic; hopelessly, helplessly happy. In which Billy Kaplan, against all expectations and documented statistics, has a boyfriend.

One More Bad Excuse | 5,323 | Ardatli / @ardatli

Summary: Life is full of changes. Losing his mother was one, losing his home was another. Teddy can't begin to cope with the idea that he might be losing Billy, too.

Who Can Retell (the things that befell us) | 6,297 | Ardatli / @ardatli

Summary: Or, one Christmas that Billy and Teddy didn’t spend together, and five that they did.

Monsters of Men | 8,873 | takadainmate / @takadainmate

Summary: "Get up," he said, and his voice sounded muffled and distant and for a long time Teddy stared at him, trying to work out what he meant. They had nowhere to go. There was no point in going anywhere. They were alone here and no one was going to save them. No one could save them.

Our Lives Lead Other Lives | 10,045 | riko

Summary: "Those things Billy's learned to bundle up tightly, keep compact and hidden so far down that even he forgets they're there sometimes. The gay thing is one. The being bullied at school is another. Now the spellcasting, shooting lightning from his fingertips, and fighting evil are rounding out the roster."

The Shelter Rule | 10,890 | orphan_account

Summary: Teddy’s life consists of a couple bags of clothes, a bed at the youth shelter, a therapy group run by his case manager, and two very dead parents. At least, until he switches schools. Then, Teddy’s life grows exponentially.

All Grown Up and Still Don't Know What (or; Billy Kaplan's Terrible, Horrible, No-Good, Very Bad Life) | 14,233 | atti (attilatehbun) / @recursivities

Summary: Everything cycles back around into powers, his new powers. Powers that, by the feel of it, Billy’s really only scratched the surface of. But powers that he thinks could really do some actual good, on the right team. Assuming he doesn’t blow anything up with his mind by then.

Mine | 1,415 | isengard / @goulets

Summary: You are the best thing That’s ever been mine.

The Things I Am Doing (Instead of The Things That Should Be Done) | 1,541 | atti (attilatehbun) / @recursivities

Summary: Normally there's classes, work, citizens to be saved from dimension-ripping monsters with tentacles bursting from their eyes and venom dripping from several sets of extra ears. That, or Kate's endless charity functions, in both official and unofficial capacity. But not this morning. This morning there's just them; them, a bed cozy and warm with body heat, and time.

The Problem with Planning | 2,238 | atti (attilatehbun) / @recursivities

Summary: Billy really doesn't want to hate his friends, he loves his friends, but he wishes that for once, just once when he and Teddy shut Teddy's door it wasn't banging open again before they'd even crossed to Teddy's narrow bed. He'd love them a whole lot more easily if they could understand the concept of 'personal time'.

Birthday Boy is King | 3,203 | tekowrites

Summary: Teddy/Billy, for Teddy’s birthday Billy decides on a little body modification present, the problem though is not letting anyone find out about it.

Fire in the Blood | 3,385 | youngavengersbigbang

Summary: Teddy was so close he was practically whispering in the shell of the man’s ear. Billy watched, transfixed, as one big hand slid into the neat fold of his pewter gray suit and pulled out a straight razor. The handle was mother of pearl. The little blade shown like a mirror, giving a whispered shhht as Teddy opened it into a wide, gleaming smile.

Maybe Everything Returns | 7,321 | riko

Summary: There are 3058 miles between them, and Teddy can feel every one.

whatever's living will yourself become | 7,816 | atti (attilatehbun) / @recursivities

Summary: The trouble with shape-shifting is that so often the shape seems to shift more than you do. It changes day to day, moment to moment, and every time you shift to fit it you're one step behind.

Alms in Autumn | 13,861 | aud_k

Summary: In which a fairy reluctantly dons the mantle of “prey,” a golden-haired prince leads a ritual hunt, and a November dawn chases away more than just the night’s shadows. There are many ways to die, and some of them, William discovers, are smaller—and luckier—than others.

Work In Progress | 20,912 | Ardatli / @ardatli

Summary: Wherein Billy is a Steve/Tony fanfic writer, Teddy is a fanartist, online relationships are confusing, and NYCC is coming.

*True Colors | 34,093 | Khirsah / @khirsahle

Summary: Growing up queer can be tough, even in New York. Lucky for them, there's a place upstate they can go every summer to meet new friends, let loose, and know they are not alone. Welcome to Camp True Colors.

*this fic also heavily includes the Steve/Bucky ship

2024 Reclists · INBOX · Blog Updates

[assortedseaglass]

🌟Advent | Yuletide🌟

Billy Washington x fem!Reader

Summary: Billy Washington knocks on his neighbour's door with a case of the wobbles.

Content Warnings: Language, mentions of panic attacks, mild Trigger Point Spoiler, fluff, hurt, comfort.

🎄 Yuletide Masterlist 🎄

Billy hesitated outside the door. He stared at the small wreath attached to the knocker and glanced down the hallway. No-one else had one up.

With a shaking hand and shuddering breath, Billy wiped his eyes. His counsellor was encouraging him to reach out when he had what his mother called “a case of the wobbles”.

It had taken a while. The first time Billy felt his panic creeping in, his terror at picking up the phone and calling his sister had induced another attack. Once, while doing his weekly shop, someone dropped a large box from a top shelf of the supermarket and the noise made him dissolve into violent sobs. A kindly and plump woman in a Tesco uniform took him to the staff room, gave him a cuppa and a long cuddle.

“See,” the counsellor said when Billy told her of this episode. “I know it’s hard after everything that happened, but most people really are good people.”

So here he stood, in the corridor of his new block of flats, hand raised to knock on his neighbour’s door. He cleared his throat a few times, shook out his arms and shuffled his feet.

“Come on, Wash,” he murmured to himself, feeling another knot of nerves tighten in his stomach. Not giving his brain time to betray him, he rapped his knuckle of the door.

“Coming,” the voice on the other side of the door called brightly. The longer he waited, the quicker his heart hammered. Keeping down his lunch was becoming harder with every second that ticked by.

A door to his left opened. A little old lady stuck her head out her front door.

“Hiya,” Billy barely looked at her, focussing on his shoes instead. He didn’t want any more people than necessary to see his tears. “Merry Christmas.”

“Thought you was knocking for me,” she retreated inside with a muffled Merry Christmas of her own.

The door before him opened. Warm light bathed the cold corridor. So too, did the smell of freshly cooked food.

Billy took a step back and rubbed his neck. Still, he looked at the floor, eyes flicking up only when he said hello. You were smiling at him, waiting for to hear whatever he had knocked for.

“Merry Christmas,” you said. Catching sight of his watery eyes you stepped towards him slowly. “Everything ok?”

Billy swallowed hard. His wobbles always made it so hard to breathe, and as though reliving the memory, it felt like he could taste petrol fumes. “Yeah, um. I, erm-” A small, watery sob left him. “Fuck, sorry.”

“It’s ok,” you opened the door wider. “Do you want to come in?”

“Yes please.” He said quickly. Billy’s relief was instantaneous as he shuffled past you into the flat. Golden fairy lights were strung around the small lounge, and a Christmas tree that was far too large took up most of the space. Beside it, an old sofa was covered in blankets and on the telly, Jimmy Stewart’s face was paused. It’s a Wonderful Life, his mum’s favourite.

“Sit yourself down, kettle’s just boiled.”

“Ta, thanks.” He perched awkwardly on the sofa and grabbed a tissue from the box on the table. An undrunk cup of tea was sat beside a pile of books and abandoned Christmas wrapping.

“Milk and sugar?”

“Please, ta.”

Billy’s leg bobbed as he waited for his cup of tea, thinking over what to tell you.

“You don’t need to tell anyone why, Billy, just that you are having a panic attack and don’t want to be alone.”

The sofa dipped beside him. Silently, you handed him a cup of tea and placed a small bowl of steaming pasta on the table beside you both.

“Just made it, help yourself.” You nodded to the bowl. “Not very Christmassy but comforting, eh?”

“Yeah, cheers.”

Without saying anything else, you picked up the tv remote and pressed play.

“Oh, whadda ya mean? Nobody’s trying to steal anybody’s girl. Here, here’s, here’s Mary.”

Jimmy Stewart’s voice filled the little flat and Billy felt liked he’d stepped into another world. Had he had a panic attack? Here was a girl, opening her door to a stranger, giving him food and then pretending he didn’t exist. Frankly, his panic made way for worry about her survival instincts.

As if reading his mind, you spoke. “I get them too. Panic attacks.” Billy didn’t say anything, only looked at you over his cup of tea. You’d tucked your feet up on the sofa and snuggled down beneath the roll neck of your enormous, grey jumper. “Shit, aren’t they?”

Billy laughed awkwardly. “Yeah,”

“Don’t worry, though.” You tore your eyes away from the telly then. “We can just sit here.”

And sit there the two of you did. Right until George Bailey saw Clarence’s copy of Tom Sawyer and little Zuzu said, “each time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings.”

Billy smiled as you whispered it in unison with the film.

“Thanks,” he said tentatively, finally broaching the subject of his panic attack himself. “That was just what I needed.”

“Anytime, Billy,” you said, placing your hand on his comfortingly. Billy stilled.

“H-how do you know my name?” Christ. He’d knocked on the door of the high-rise lunatic.

You smiled gently and raised your eyebrows at him, as though saying don’t be thick. “You were on the news, Billy.”

He mentally slapped himself. Of course she knew who he was.

CAR BOMB CALAMTIY: LOCAL MAN ESCAPES AFTER FAR-RIGHT RECRUITMENT

“I won’t ask about it, and you don’t have to say anything, not if you don’t want to. But you can always knock on the door.”

“Thanks mate,” Billy said with a watery smile. He hastily rubbed his eyes.

“Really,” you said with sincerity. “Anytime.”

With another gentle smile, Billy stood up from the sofa. He loomed over you, and so you stood too.

“I best be off,” he indicated to the door. “I’ve taken up enough of your evening-”

“Anytime, remember.”

“Likewise,” he said, remembering you were also prone to cases of the wobbles.

He bade you goodnight, smiling to himself when you waited in the doorway to see him off, even though it was only too steps across the hall.

“Oooh!” you exclaimed. “Hang on!”

You disappeared from the door, leaving it slightly ajar. Billy stood awkwardly with his hand on the doorhandle. When you reappeared, a little out of breath from dashing around the small flat, you handed him a little chocolate covered in golden foil.

“Mum sends me an Advent calendar every year, but I’ve pigged out enough today.”

Something in this tiny gesture on top of an evening that meant so much bowled Billy over. His worry at anyone seeing his panic dissolved as he did too, slumping onto your shoulder and bursting into tears.

“Ah, mate,” you rubbed his shoulder as this giant man clung onto you. “It’ll be a better year next year, yeah?”

“Myeah,” Billy sniffled, standing straight and rubbing his nose. He laughed in spite of himself and you giggled to. “Merry Christmas.”

“Merry Christmas, Billy.”

The usual suspects: @arcielee @targaryenrealnessdarling @theoneeyedprince @ewanmitchellcrumbs @ellrond @cyeco13 @babyblue711 @exitpursuedbyavulcan @humanpurposes @myfandomprompts @barbieaemond @anjelicawrites

[riksie94]

Goddammit, now I have all these Rolan x Tav writing prompt ideas and my writing is certainly not the best because I don’t describe things as detailed and artistically as other people do. 😭 Whatever. Here are some ideas up for grabs because everyone’s interpretations are different:

• Rolan comforting Tav after a night terror (you can’t tell me Tav doesn’t have any sort of trauma after this whole ordeal)

• Tav seeking comfort from Rolan after everyone goes their separate ways once the Netherbrain is defeated

• How the whole baby comforts Rolan ordeal starts from my previous headcanons

• Tav and their jealousy issues when someone flirts with Rolan at one of his soirees

• Tav trying to forcibly heal him after Lorroaken is killed

• Tav and Rolan wedding 👀

• Tav and Rolan going to a Yuletide celebration with friends

• Rolan taking care of Tav when they’re sick

• 4 times Tav kisses Rolan first and 1 time Rolan kisses them first

I also know I procrastinate and write whenever ideas seldom pop up so haha… yeah. I’ll be surprised if I complete writing ALL of these.

[lotties-ashwagandha]

yellowjackets masterlist!

❈ = fluff,,,, ★ = angst

lottie matthews x reader

our own kings and gods (nsfw) ★❈

remedy ❈

new arrivals ❈ ★ part 2 (nsfw)

paper cut ❈

color of jealousy ❈

melodic hum of the universe ❈

terrors of winter, gone ❈ ★

painted in pink and gold ❈

in myth, you are mine ❈ ★

nothing left to give ❈ ★

polaroids ❈

high priestess ❈

christmas cookies ❈

rapture (nsfw)

salvation (nsfw)

il veut du sang (nsfw)

dreams (nsfw, kinktober)

give it what it wants (nsfw)

worth it (vampire lottie) (nsfw)

yuletide reflections (nsfw)

bound (nsfw, kinktober)

random blurb?? (nsfw)

lottie with a partner who celebrates midsummer (headcanons) ❈

lottie with an autistic partner (headcanons) ❈

shauna sadecki x reader

when the world becomes small ❈

getaway

van palmer x reader

love’s embrace ❈

natalie x reader

mystery brownies ❈

tai x van

lottie x nat

POLY FICS:

lottie x van x reader

abundance ❈

lottie x nat x reader

Ivy set aflame (nsfw)

stoner santa

being in a throuple w lottie and nat would include… (headcanon) ❈

shauna x nat x reader

babysitting bruce ❈

tai x van x reader

pretty when you cry ★ part 2 ★

christmas tree waltz ❈

what’s fair (nsfw)

misty x nat x lottie x reader

caligula’s dreamhouse ❈

flames of frozen fire (nsfw)

headcanons for all characters:

the yellowjackets as pet owners

getting high with the yellowjackets

how they would take care of you while youre sick

yellowjackets + summer themed dates

yellowjackets + halloween

being stuck in a snowstorm with the yellowjackets

christmas with the yellowjackets

[marypickfords]

Lost Hearts (Lawrence Gordon Clark, 1973)

"On the night of which I am speaking, Stephen Elliott found himself, as he thought, looking through the glazed door. The moon was shining through the window, and he was gazing at a figure which lay in the bath. His description of what he saw reminds me of what I once beheld myself in the famous vaults of St. Michan's Church in Dublin, which possess the horrid property of preserving corpses from decay for centuries. A figure inexpressibly thin and pathetic, of a dusty leaden colour, enveloped in a shroud-like garment, the thin lips crooked into a faint and dreadful smile, the hands pressed tightly over the region of the heart. As he looked upon it, a distant, almost inaudible moan seemed to issue from its lips, and the arms began to stir. The terror of the sight forced Stephen backwards, and he awoke to the fact that he was indeed standing on the cold boarded floor of the passage in the full light of the moon. With a courage which I do not think can be common among boys of his age, he went to the door of the bathroom to ascertain if the figure of his dream were really there. It was not, and he went back to bed.” — MR James, Lost Hearts, from Ghost Stories of an Antiquary (1904).

[4th-make-quail]

4, 5, 8, 21 for the fandom/fanfic asks!

4. Pairing that makes no sense to you?

HMMM god, honestly I'd say the majority of my notps I can actually see why people ship it but it doesn't tickle my fancy, you know? But I'd probably have to go with hm. I think Vossler/Gabranth - someone really recced this long fic of them to me and I'm just like. Well FOR ONE Basch is right there, FOR BOTH THEM?? And for another, Ashe is right there!!! That one makes absolutely zero sense to me, I just don't get it! Then again, I have absolutely no room to talk considering how much I'm into Ghis/Bergan, two guys who just absolutely would loathe each other lmao. Stones, glass houses etc.

5. Favorite platonic pairing?

God, I think I'm too much of a shipper to really be into platonic pairings, idk idk. Let me think. 🤔🤔 OH WAIT NO I KNOW. Emmrich and Harding!! Their friendship means everything to me, they're just so fucking cute!! Going camping together..... Harding altering her famous sandwich to make it vegetarian for him..... 😭😭 Too damn cute!!

8. Fandom you're a part of that's the most obscure?

Well, quite a few of my fandoms qualify for Yuletide which is for rare fandoms! But most likely C.S Friedman's Coldfire Trilogy! I'm only tangentially part of it (there's a very small discord), but I'm fairly sure I'm getting that for my Yuletide gift and I'm SO EXCITED!! It's a trilogy of fantasy books from the 90s about a priest and an emotional vampire who invented the priest's religion going on a journey for world saving reasons, and it's fucking fantastic. And very gay, despite what Friedman says lol. Fellas, is it gay to have a parasitic mindlink with a guy u hate so he can feed off the terror he sends u in ur dreams? Is it gay to wade into actual, literal hell for the guy? Is it gay to constantly think about how beautiful he is? Surely not!!! Anyway READ COLDFIRE TRILOGY IT'S FUCKING AWESOME

21. Favorite fic trope?

THIS ONE IS SO HARD FKFKFKF I loooove missionfic, especially for star trek stuff, but I think my fave more traditional tropes are like. There was only one bed, fake marriage, hurt/comfort and good old fashioned whump, UST and pining is a big one, and fix it is my ultimate fave I think - ESPECIALLY when one half of the ship doesn't die and then has to live with the consequences of their actions!! That's like fucking catnip for me >:3

[ofermod]

Can we talk about Tom Bombadil and Pony Capitalism?

Bill Ferny’s price was twelve silver pennies; and that was indeed at least three times the pony’s value in those parts. It proved to be a bony, underfed, and dispirited animal; but it did not look like dying just yet. Mr. Butterbur paid for it himself, and offered Merry another eighteen pence as some compensation for the lost animals. He was an honest man, and well-off as things were reckoned in Bree; but thirty silver pennies was a sore blow to him, and being cheated by Bill Ferny made it harder to bear. As a matter of fact he came out on the right side in the end. It turned out later that only one horse had been actually stolen. The others had been driven off, or had bolted in terror, and were found wandering in different corners of the Bree-land. Merry’s ponies had escaped altogether, and eventually (having a good deal of sense) they made their way to the Downs in search of Fatty Lumpkin. So they came under the care of Tom Bombadil for a while, and were well-off. But when news of the events at Bree came to Tom’s ears, he sent them to Mr. Butterbur, who thus got five good beasts at a very fair price. They had to work harder in Bree, but Bob treated them well; so on the whole they were lucky: they missed a dark and dangerous journey. But they never came to Rivendell.

So listen. There's a few things going on here, and they're all confusing. Did Tom sell the ponies back to Butterbur? If so, what did he do with the cold hard cash? Use it to buy Yuletide presents for Farmer Maggot? Does Santa Claus come from Farmer Maggot's stories of Tom Bombadil, but he changed the jacket colour? Alternately: Does "send" mean just that--and the "fair price" refers to what Butterbur had already paid--and that a string of ponies just showed up one day at the Inn, possibly with a handwritten note saying "FREE TO A GOOD HOME" or "REJOICE PONIES BE UPON YE"?

And what kind of work do they do? "They had to work harder in Bree"--Butterbur RUNS AN INN. What kind of manual labour do ponies do AT AN INN? These aren't Beorn's horses, who set tables. These are just generic ponies! Are they kept just for taking drunk hobbit guests (who have not arranged for rooms) back to their homes?

Also the part where "Yes, missing a dangerous journey is a good thing, but man did those Ponies miss out on visiting an elf-house." What goes on at Rivendell that it's such a high-profile Pony destination?

Listen, these are all very important questions.

[witchyfashion]

A new anthology of Victorian Christmas ghost stories to haunt your holidays. Not all Christmas visitors are jolly…or alive. While the holidays evoke warm memories of carols, decorations, and gift-giving, horror lurks beneath the holly. The Victorians sought a pleasing terror each December 24th, relishing tales of spirits, goblins, and demons. Shadow House Publishing is proud to continue this tradition with YULETIDE FRIGHTS 2: MORE VICTORIAN GHOST STORIES FOR CHRISTMAS. Bestselling author and anthologist William P. Simmons exhumes fifteen supernatural tales that capture the fright and macabre merriment of the season. Winter Solstice. Yuletide. Christmas. The holidays are filled with shivers and glad tidings, harkening us back to a time when the sun died, and the powers of darkness held sway. Gather ‘round the fire and unwrap some of the greatest ghost stories in the English language. Unearthed from moldering Victorian magazines and crumbling newsprint, many of these tales haven’t been reprinted for over a century and include spine tingling classics alongside little known rarities by B.M. Croker, Florence Marryat, Ernest R. Suffling, Margaret Oliphant, and many more. The dead are not at rest this holiday. Victorian era Christmas’s are haunted by vengeful pagan entities, wandering wraiths, and folklore fiends. Malignant phantoms wreak havoc at Christmas Eve revels. Cursed portraits seduce both flesh and soul. Festive reunions end in unspeakable tragedy. Nocturnal visitors collect damned souls, devilish deals are made, and graveyard visitants haunt houses and minds alike. Funerary fables of phantom monks, White Ladies, and black magic strike just the right balance of fright and fun for the long winter evenings. This volume offers modern readers the experience of perusing a Victorian era Christmas Number. Editor Simmons contributes an Introduction and Notes examining the cultural and literary context of the Christmas ghost story tradition, rounding out this dark delicacy. Resurrect a terrifying tradition this holiday season. Enjoy ghost stories as entertaining now as when first published. Roast some chestnuts, lock the doors, and spend the night with the spirits of Christmas past!

buy here