The Fright Before Christmas

De: Jeff Belanger

Narrado por: Jeff Belanger

Christmas time is truly the darkest and creepiest time of the year filled with devilish creatures lurking in the shadows waiting to get us. Best known is the Krampus, who has been the subject of films and songs. There was a time in the late 1800s when people sent Krampus cards, not holiday greetings. There are other violent and dangerous monsters from all over northern climes who have been hunting naughty children for centuries. From shapeshifters to mountain trolls, to elves, to heavy-handed cohorts of Saint Nicholas, the Christmas holiday has been filled with ghosts and monsters ready to dole out punishment to those who need it.

The Fright Before Christmas delves into the folklore of Krampus and his friends with the elf-like Tomten and the goblinesque Karakoncolas. The Belsnickel is ready to hit us with his switch of sticks, and Gryla may drag you back to her mountain lair. And watch out for the Yule Cat ready to pounce!

The folklore roots of Christmas under its many other guises (Yule, the Winter Solstice, Saturnalia) is examined in a different, darker light. The Winter Solstice is a time to be afraid. It’s the shortest day of the year, the longest night. In some parts of the world, the sun doesn’t rise at all. It’s dark, and we have to wonder if the sun will ever come back at all. Christmas has always been creepy and with The Fright Before Christmas, you'll see that side. This is a book for everyone who loves a little darkness around the holidays.

©2023 Jeff Belanger (P)2023 Dreamscape Media

Enjoyable Christmastime read

Grabbed this on Audible’s cyber Monday deal, and finished it in the same day. As a Christmas tradition based nonfiction (although mythology and fantasy really blend?), it was a perfect read for me.

The author takes the reader through the history of Christmas, not just its darker creatures, but even the creation of Santa Claus and St. Nick. The historical beats reminded me of Jeff Guinn’s The Autobiography of Santa Claus, at least in the instances where the author takes from what’s known. And the traditions from other places I was not familiar with reminded me of Linda Raedisch’s The Old Magic of Christmas.

A great blend of information I knew, and that that I didn’t, this was a quick and enjoyable read for the holiday season. The author draws on the history of the holiday to explain when and how or even why certain Christmas traditions came and went away. How Krampus was frowned upon, seemingly went away, and then was modernized in the 2015 film. The author even likens the appearance of the Grinch to that of Krampus, and how even when traditions seem forgotten they still hold on.

A must have for any fan of folklore and history.

Jeff Belanger is one heck of a story teller! I listed to this book in one night! I absolutely loved it. I will be buying the hard copy once it is back in stock.

Wonderful History of Yule and Christmas!

A nicely concise history of everything Winter Solstice and Christmas. Everything that led up to what we celebrate today and what we should remember again.

Jeff’s storytelling style

This was well researched. I learned some new information about Santa Claus and how Christmas came to be how we know it today.

Fabulous

A fabulous book for any winter evening, engaging narration, fascinating stories--a keeper, and one we expect to return to every winter. Thanks much!!

A Great Listen

I am obsessed with learning more of these darker sides of the Holiday season. All the info here makes me want to do more of these traditions.
I happen to be a Krampus actor and one of the Krampus that were at the event the author was at with the Krampus Society of New England. ( I was the short grey/tan with all the bells and naughty list staff)
All these tales spark my passion and feel more right than the current commercialized holiday

Wow!

Jeff is an amazing storyteller, I realized I was smiling though the whole listen even through some gruesome description’s because his voice is so pleasant and descriptive. He’s my new favorite author and narrator. I learned so much and will be gifting this book to my friends this Christmas - wait, Saturnalia - wait, Yule… whatever it is, it’s the best time of the year.

Informative and clearly read

The characters were well researched. The previous chapters were placed very well together. Very pleasant and enjoyable to listen to.

What flair!

Like all
The adventures you get involved in, Jeff, this was great! I also love when an author narrates his own works. The message is from the heart and relayed the way it was intended.

Great family tail

The story is a fun and warm tale that makes you think about your mortality and your legacy. Jeff is a master storyteller!!!