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Ghost Stories Resurface: Reviving Victorian Christmas Traditions

12/17/2025

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Ghost Stories Revived

The Victorian tradition of sharing ghost stories on Christmas Eve has faded in modern celebrations.
Notable works include Montague Rhodes James's "The Ash Tree," about a witch's haunting, and Charles Dickens's "The Haunted Man" with a ghostly double.
Other stories such as "A Strange Christmas Game" by J. H. Riddell and "The Shadow" by E. Nesbit highlight the season's eerie atmosphere and revive interest in the forgotten custom.

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Festive Horror Unveiled

The BBC's Ghost Story for Christmas features E. F. Benson's "The Room in the Tower."
The series blends festive cheer with chilling narratives as a long-standing tradition.
Notable entries include "The Devil of Christmas," which parodies 70s horror, and "The Woman in Black."
The 1986 Bergerac Christmas special and other stories showcase unexpected horror elements.
The series offers a distinctive holiday viewing experience with its supernatural, festive blend.

History

Historical Context

The Victorian era, particularly in the late 19th century, saw a surge in the popularity of ghost stories, exemplified by Montague Rhodes James's 1891 tale "Oh, Whistle, and I'll Come to You, My Lad." This period also featured Charles Dickens's "A Christmas Carol," which sold over 2 million copies by 1900, reflecting a cultural blend of festive cheer and supernatural intrigue that continues to influence modern adaptations.

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Ghost Stories Revived

The Victorian tradition of sharing ghost stories on Christmas Eve has faded in modern celebrations.
Notable works include Montague Rhodes James's "The Ash Tree," about a witch's haunting, and Charles Dickens's "The Haunted Man" with a ghostly double.
Other stories such as "A Strange Christmas Game" by J. H. Riddell and "The Shadow" by E. Nesbit highlight the season's eerie atmosphere and revive interest in the forgotten custom.

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