Shivers of Delight

Looking back over my old posts, I find it hard to believe I never shared with you a book that I love to re-read every winter-  The Old Magic of Christmas: Yuletide Traditions for the Darkest Days of the Year  by Linda Raedisch. Krampus may have been the biggest hit of Creepy Christmas in the last few years, but there are so many more dark characters to learn about. In twelve chapters (I doubt that's a coincidence) Raedisch examines witches, elves, trolls, vampires, and werewolves that all have a place in the folklore of winter. This work of nonfiction is an overview of the many pagan traditions and magical creatures of winter that were occasionally adopted by Christian religions.  Within the pages you'll meet La Bafana from Italy, Frau Perchta of Germany, the Yule Cat and the Yule Goat, and the mischievous Yule Lads among many others. Each chapter ends with a few craft or baking projects you can try that honors the characters of that chapter. There is a great deal of info...

  I hope you find hope and peace this Yuletide season.

You've heard the saying "The Devil Makes Work For Idle Hands"? Well, I think the Devil would appreciate it if you did some cross stitch embroidery that he could hang in his lair. If you're looking to stay busy over the Creepy Christmas season what better than a little project? The Witchy Stitcher has really fun patterns in the shop that you can download to your printer. No need to worry if it will arrive in time! Gross Von Krampus Pattern The Season of the Witch Pattern All Hallows Eve Pattern Guardian of the Woods Pattern Not Today Satan Pattern Season's Grievings Pattern Every Night is Halloween There are lots of creepy patterns in the shop. Choose one and vow to have it done before Frau Perchta arrives on the Twelfth Day of Christmas. 

The best part of winter in my mind is the return of the Abominable Snowman. I was first introduce to him at a young age and learned his name was Bumble. The rest is history. I hope you have your own collection of Abominable Snowmen (some call them Yeti). I'm always looking to add to mine. Needle Felted Yeti from Hromov Felts Needle Felted Witch Yeti from Craftspring Yuki the Yeti from 8bitNerdy Abominable Snowman Embroidery Kit from The Surgeons Knots Posable Yeti Doll from Cave Critters Christmas Elf Doll from LouLous Artwork Abominable Yeti from Foresthouse Shop Original Spooky Yeti Drawing from Joanna Viheria Yeti Bonnet from Beholder Fashions Abominable Snowman Tree Topper from TINYfelt696 This is going to be a hard decision because I want them all!

Nora Clark has been making paper clay Halloween art for many years. Her shop Hidden From The Light has a collection of Dark Christmas sculptures that features lots of misfit and not-quite-right snowmen you have to see. They make me laugh.  Two-Headed Snowman Cyclops Snowman Christmas Kitsch Snowman Skeleton Snowman Dark Christmas Snowman Pumpkin Witch I'm showing you a piece of Nora's Halloween art too because I want you to visit her shop asap!

The duo of Arthur Rankin, Jr. and Jules Bass knew a thing or two about Creepy Christmas. I grew up with their stop-motion animation company, Rankin and Bass, Christmas specials and they will live in my heart forever. From the Snow Miser to Winter Warlock, I love them all. Max Daddy Wood Carvings carries hand-carved figures and I can guess that artist Marc grew up with Rankin and Bass too.  Bumble the Abominable Snowman Magnet Heat Miser Magnet Snow Miser Magnet Winter Warlock The Grinch Magnet The Grinch Santa Magnet Aren't these fun?! I think Marc captured these characters so well.

Here we are back at Monday. How does it come around so fast? I've been doing some winter decorating at our house which includes some winter monsters. The Krampus and Abominable Snowman are well represented, but I think a few creepy Christmas elves would be nice to round out the collection. Evil Elf Holiday Banner from tiakinsmanart Severed Elf Head Ornament from Zombie Dollz Store Creepy Elf Latex Mask from McAllister's Masks Needle Felted Elf from WoolArtHanaNana Leprechaun Doll from Toys Carousel Red Elf from Galina Paper Mache Mini Elf Doll from Kuklo Ferma These may not all be creepy elves, but they are certainly not your typical Christmas elf. And what about that elf mask?! That should keep in the kids in line.

The other day I heard a story on the radio or maybe I read it somewhere (remember I have a horrible memory) about a family that decorated their Christmas tree on Halloween while wearing their Halloween costumes and eating their Halloween candy. They weren't decorating a spooky tree, just your typical Christmas tree, but for some reason this story just made me smile.  If you find it joyful and want to blend your holidays together don't be timid! Go all out. I've featured the beautiful, spooky ornaments from Kayleigh Radcliffe in the past, but I think she has a wonderful way of making the spooky seem elegant and festive. This year Radcliffe has ornaments that are professionally printed on wood so the price is very affordable. Saint Nick Dancing with Krampus Cat in a Skull  Krampus Cat Witch and Cauldron Skeleton Krampus in a Snow Globe Don't you love them? There are many more to choose from in the shop plus some original spun cotton ornaments.

I'm just going to put this out there. I'm already having anxiety dreams about Christmas, so creepy Christmas cannot get any more real for me. You too? I find the only way to combat it is to laugh. Frostbite the Snowman from WeeScone Krampus Brooch from There Will Be Cute Krampus Scene Silhouette from Frintd Fabrications DIY Krampus Doll Sewing Kit from Silent Orchid Studio Krampus Art Doll from Mercury and Magpie Krampus Advent Calendar from Sniggle Sloth Krampus Face Jug from WB Pottery Krampus Giclee Print from Tim Campbell Art Well, that should keep the nightmares at bay for a bit.