Welcoming winter comes with rituals and ceremonies that mark the changing seasons. While traditions have evolved to emphasize the return of the light in winter solstice commemorations, this time of year is punctuated by cold, dark nights. Some may even harbor unnameable evils and forgotten lore. Hugo-award-winning author Ellen Datlow curates and edits a collection of original short stories in "Christmas and Other Horrors." This anthology features a diverse range of authors, including Cassandra Khaw, Garth Nix, and Gemma Files, each bringing their unique perspective to the theme of horror. Each story tells a scary tale, sometimes a haunting, often a predation of physical and mental safety by the supernatural and otherworldly.
What truly sets these stories apart are the unique storytelling styles of the authors. They bring to life little-known myths and folklore from different parts of the world. Nick Mamatas’ “The Blessing of the Waters” blurs the lines between the sacred and the unholy, while Alma Katsu's "His Castle" offers a fresh perspective on the legend of Mari Lwyd, weaving in a commentary on social ills.
Some of us read horror because we enjoy good old-fashioned reckoning. The authors are adept at anchoring each story solidly in place, featuring characters who are both likable and vile. We root for certain characters while others get what they deserve. Nadia Bulkin's exploration of trauma and harm, and Stephen Graham Jones' examination of different sides of complicity, add a thought-provoking layer to the anthology. In the season of lights and frights, "Christmas and Other Horrors" is an enjoyable read that makes bleak, wintry, chilly nights even more unsettling.
