best christmas ghost stories

Well, 'A Christmas Carol' is a very well - known one. The three ghosts that visit Scrooge really bring out the essence of a Christmas ghost story. They show him his past mistakes, the current state of things he ignores, and the future that awaits if he doesn't change. Then there's 'The Ghostly Guest' which is about a family who has an unexpected visitor during Christmas. This visitor seems normal at first but then strange things start to happen, and they realize it might be a ghost. And 'The Christmas Haunting' is a story where a young girl starts seeing the ghost of an old woman in her new house on Christmas Eve, and as the story unfolds, she discovers the connection between the ghost and the house's history.

There's 'The Ghost's Touch' which is a great Christmas ghost story. It's about a family who moves into an old house just before Christmas. Strange things start to happen like cold spots and objects moving on their own. As Christmas approaches, they discover that the ghost is that of a previous owner who died on Christmas day many years ago. He's trying to communicate something important. Another one is 'The Christmas Ghost Train'. In this story, a man waiting at a deserted train station on Christmas Eve sees a strange train arrive. When he boards it, he finds himself in a world full of ghosts and has to find his way back before it's too late.

To find the best Christmas ghost stories, you can start with your local used bookstores. They might have some rare or out - of - print collections. Online forums dedicated to horror or Christmas literature can also be a good source. People often share their favorite stories and where to find them. Some universities also have digital archives of old literature that might include Christmas ghost stories. And don't forget about audio versions. Audible and other audiobook platforms sometimes have collections of Christmas ghost stories read aloud, which can be a great way to experience these spooky tales while doing other things like driving or cooking.

For a story to be the best Christmas ghost story, it should blend the festive and the spooky well. It could start with a normal Christmas scene, like a family opening presents, but then introduce a strange occurrence, like a strange sound or a cold draft that doesn't seem normal. The ghost character should have a purpose. Maybe it's a guardian angel - like ghost that only appears at Christmas to protect the family from some hidden danger. And the language used should be evocative, painting pictures in the reader's mind of the Christmas - themed haunted setting, such as a snow - covered graveyard near the family's home where the ghost is said to roam.

The 'Ghost Story for Christmas' series has some great tales. For example, 'The Signal - man' is quite spooky. It tells the story of a signal - man who is haunted by a spectre that seems to be a warning of impending doom. The atmosphere of the railway setting and the sense of dread make it a memorable Christmas - themed ghost story.

No. While they are called Christmas Ghost Stories, they can be read at any time. The Christmas setting is just a backdrop, and the themes of ghosts, mystery, and the supernatural can be enjoyed year - round.

It often uses the Christmas setting as a backdrop. For example, the cold, snowy landscapes are common, which are typical of Christmas. The stories might also include elements like Christmas feasts or family gatherings that are then disrupted by the appearance of ghosts.

The stories in 'Valancourt Victorian Christmas Ghost Stories' are rich in atmosphere. They use vivid language to create a sense of dread and anticipation. The ghosts themselves can be quite diverse, from the traditional white - sheeted specters to more complex, almost human - like apparitions with their own motives and backstories. They also often play on Victorian superstitions, like the fear of being visited by the ghosts of the dead at Christmas time, which was considered a time when the veil between the living and the dead was thin.

There might be a story of a haunted ship. Sailors on a ship start to notice strange occurrences, like objects moving by themselves and cold spots. It could be related to a past disaster on the ship where many lives were lost, and the souls are trapped on the vessel.

Some Christmas ghost stories originated from local legends and superstitions. For example, in some English villages, there were tales of spirits that would come out during the Christmas season to either haunt the naughty or bring blessings to the good. These stories were passed down through generations and became part of the Christmas storytelling repertoire. Also, the Christian idea of angels and spirits might have influenced the creation of ghost stories during Christmas, as they are both otherworldly beings.