Christmas is considered to be the most wonderful time of the year. But was it always? Walk with the ghosts of Christmas past through the history of early traditions from 274 AD with Saturnalia, Yule, Mithra, the tradition of Francis of Assisi, the feast of St. Nicholas, Santa Clause, Krampus, and beyond. We’re celebrating the spirit of the holiday, and you’re cordially invited.
US GHOST ADVENTURES
25 Days of Christmas
The Legend of Krampus
December 5, 2023
Every year at the end of December, children everywhere prepare themselves for the arrival of Old St. Nick. Most children...
The Dark Lore of Mistletoe
December 4, 2023
It wouldn't be the holiday season without the appearance of some of our favorite yuletide flora. Mistletoe is one of the...
Christmas Ghost Story: The Old Nurse’s Story
December 3, 2023
The end of Halloween may signal the start of the holiday season for some, but the spooky season never ends for those of ...
The Dark History of The Nutcracker
December 2, 2023
Some Christmas traditions are timeless. Matching pajamas for the family. Gathering to watch the annual Christmas parade....
Dark Facts About Your Favorite Christmas Staples
December 1, 2023
As the Christmas trees go up and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation takes over our TVs, the annual holiday traditio...
Wartime During Christmas
December 25, 2022
A frostbitten calm falls upon the land. Peace comes to all via vast feasts and celebrations. Everything seems serenely p...
George Washington Crosses The Delaware
December 25, 2022
“Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house. Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.” We all k...
True Story Behind A Christmas Carol
December 24, 2022
Everybody knows the tale of Ebenezer Scrouge. Tiny Tim, the Cratchit family, and the ghosts of Christmas past, present, ...
The Story Behind Christmas Stockings
December 24, 2022
Hung delicately across every mantle, of every fireplace, in every home, during every Christmas, tiny, brightly and ornat...
How Yule Became Christmas
December 21, 2022
Before there was Christmas, there was Yule. Yule refers to a midwinter festival celebrated during the time of the Winter...
The Origins of Christmas
December 3, 2022
Santa Claus, Polar Bears, Coca-Cola, Christmas wasn’t always this way. In a time before the advent of Capitalism, Chri...
Seven Medieval Christmas Traditions
December 2, 2022
“Christe Maesse,” the Festival of Christ. A season of celebration; the birth of the Christian savior Jesus Christ is...
