I was so keen to read this anthology. I was anticipating demonic Santas, murderous reindeer and a bunch of unfortunates getting impaled on Christmas trees and strung up with lights. Basically, a not so silent night.
I was so focused on the cover image that I entirely missed where it clearly states ‘and other horrors’ and ‘winter solstice’. My initial surprise quickly turned into delight because, while I got Big Bad Santa, I also encountered an array of local legends and the darkness that lurks during the longest night of the year.
The Importance of a Tidy Home by Christopher Golden
Freddy knows all about the Schnabelperchten, who come one night a year to ensure households are prepared for the new year. Being homeless, it’s as though Freddy is invisible to them. This year will be different.
I loved the growing dread of this story. I hadn’t heard of the Schnabelperchten. I would be so dead.
“Chi chi chi.”
The Ones He Takes by Benjamin Percy
Joel’s family made it onto Santa’s naughty list last year and I am more delighted than I probably should be that Santa is the Big Bad of this story.
“You’re safe here, buddy. I’ll protect you.”
His Castle by Alma Katsu
Trevor and Cate have come to Wales for the holidays. A few of the locals are keen to introduce them to the tradition of Mari Lwyd, the grey mare. But Trevor and Cate grew up in Wales and they know a thing or two themselves.
“There’ll be revellers coming to your door one night”
The Mawkin Field by Terry Dowling
This story is set in Australia so of course there’s a fridge filled with beer in a random field. Colin Traynor stops by for a cold one.
Don’t disturb the cupboards!
The Blessing of the Waters by Nick Mamatas
Nasos has come to implore Father Gus to go ahead with the blessing of the waters. Father Gus may not believe in Christmas goblins but Nasos sure does.
“You can’t cancel it, Father. It’ll be your fault, what happens next, if you do.”
Dry and Ready by Glen Hirshberg
Aliyah’s father made his family promise to honour their Hanukkah tradition. She doesn’t know why it was so important to him but they grudgingly go through the motions every year.
I was lulled into a false sense of security for some of this story before being blindsided in the most wonderful way.
“So they know they’re remembered.”
Last Drinks at Bondi Beach by Garth Nix
Light and darkness, Bondi Beach and predators.
Then you must bring her here. Into the dark. Bring her to me.
Return to Bear Creek Lodge by Tananarive Due
Johnny comes face to face with the creature from his nightmares.
Always take your shot, Johnny.
The Ghost of Christmases Past by Richard Kadrey
Every year, the scar on Laura’s arm begins to itch and she prepares for her Christmas lockdown.
“I’m not going to end up like Reiner”
Our Recent Unpleasantness by Stephen Graham Jones
Jenner absolutely didn’t see what he saw that solstice night.
“I want my two seconds back, please”
All the Pretty People by Nadia Bulkin
It’s time for the Airing of Grievances portion of Festivus night.
Grievances should be directed toward a person you know
Löyly Sow-na by Josh Malerman
Russell has travelled to Finland with Hannele, his partner of six months. It’s time for him to meet her father.
“What are your motivations?”
Cold by Cassandra Khaw
Welcome to the apocalypse.
It had died slowly, by degrees, choking wetly on denial of its circumstances.
Gravé of Small Birds by Kaaron Warren
As the most attractive woman on the island, Jackie is sure that she will be the Beauty this year.
If they got this wrong, there could be consequences – and had been, in the past.
The Visitation by Jeffrey Ford
This Christmas Eve, there may be an angel at Jill and Owen’s door. Or maybe it’s just an elderly man who farts a lot.
From sunrise on the day of Christmas Eve to sundown on the day after Christmas, if a stranger comes to your door seeking shelter and assistance, you are compelled to help them.
The Lord of Misrule by M. Rickert
Darla is going to meet her partner’s son. Don’t let his cute teddy bear slippers fool you. This kid is in charge.
“I can send you away too if I want.”
No Light, No Light by Gemma Files
This story brings an apocalypse that’s climate change and vulcanology, with what’s quite possibly my favourite ship, the Naglfar.
Everything about me is a lie.
After Words by John Langan
Thirty years ago today, he last saw Maria Granza.
There were thirty-three days left for her to complete the Great Work we had begun. Until the winter solstice.
My favourite stories in this anthology were by Christopher Golden, Benjamin Percy and Glen Hirshberg but there wasn’t a bad one in the bunch. My inner bah humbug was satisfied, my love of mythology was catered to and I found some new (to me) authors whose work I need to catch up on.
This is one of those books that you’re likely to enjoy regardless of whether you’re on Santa’s naughty or nice list.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Titan Books for the opportunity to read this anthology.
Once Upon a Blurb
The winter solstice is celebrated as a time of joy around the world — yet the long nights also conjure a darker tradition of ghouls, hauntings, and visitations. This anthology of all-new stories invites you to huddle around the fire and revel in the unholy, the dangerous, the horrific aspects of a
time when families and friends come
together — for better and for worse.
From the eerie Austrian Schnabelperchten to the skeletal Welsh Mari Lwyd, by way of ravenous golems, uncanny neighbours, and unwelcome visitors, Christmas and Other Horrors captures the heart and horror of the festive season.
Because the weather outside is frightful, but the fire inside is hungry…
Featuring stories from:
Nadia Bulkin
Terry Dowling
Tananarive Due
Jeffrey Ford
Christopher Golden
Stephen Graham Jones
Glen Hirshberg
Richard Kadrey
Alma Katsu
Cassandra Khaw
John Langan
Josh Malerman
Nick Mamatas
Garth Nix
Benjamin Percy
M. Rickert
Kaaron Warren
Schizanthus Nerd 