In winter the Wild Hunt motif provides a spectacular set of ghosts, riding over the countryside stealing souls. In some stories Odin is the leader (leading to some tenuous associations with Santa Claus). Happy Christmas!

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Edward Gorey Christmas✨

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on , Malign sorcery and vampirism in perfect harmony...

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GHOST OF CHRISTMAS YET TO COME.
The Phantom gravely, silently, approached, shrouded in a deep black garment, which concealed its head, its face, its form, and left nothing of it visible save one outstretched hand. 3rd spirit to appear to Scrooge 1843, 1970

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“No animal, according to the rules of animal-etiquette, is ever expected to do anything strenuous, or heroic, or even moderately active during the off-season of winter.”
(Kenneth Grahame "The Wind in the Willows")

🎨 Dave Unwin (1995)

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on day twenty two, a musical interlude (On a fish powered organ)

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on

day twenty one- a trip to the library which is inhabited and guarded by Dustcats.

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Mercury glass Christmas tree ornaments in the shape of owls to symbolise wisdom (or perhaps the desire for it.)

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I did a talk last year about why people like to tell ghost stories at Christmas/Midwinter. It became a podcast episode, so if you've been wondering that very thing, you can find out here! https://t.co/tBGl69z5rk

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20) 'SANDY THE TINKER', Charlotte Riddell (1882)
"He was the Evil One; the name seemed to be taken up by the echoes and repeated from rock to rock and crag to crag; the whole air seemed full of that one word; and then a great horror of darkness came about us"

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"The longest night, return of light,
crisp moon, a thousand stars
bewitched and wished, silver and wise
a symphony of silence."

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The legend of the Christmas Rose and Madelon is a wonderful and touching tale. It reminds us that during Christmas gift-giving it is the thought that counts, and the most precious gifts are those that come from the heart. More: https://t.co/xMNWuEBypo

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on day eighteen- an undead pet on a damp romp. (Drury is a *good* dog)

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In Wales there is a wassailing folk custom using a macabre hobby horse called the Mari Lwyd. The festive horse skeleton travels door-to-door and challenges people to “pwnco” a rhyming battle of wits.
🎄#YuleFolklore

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The Scottish ban nigheachain (little washerwoman), also known as Bean Nighe, is said to be seen washing the clothes in rivers and brooks of those doomed to die. She is a bad omen for any who see her on their travels.

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The Lady of the Cold from Tove Jansson's book 'Moominland Midwinter' (1957) brings ice and snow to Moominvalley. She is described as extremely beautiful, however if you look into her eyes she will instantly freeze you to death

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