Historian and author Tim Rayborn joins us for a deep look into the strange, frightening and often forgotten legends that live beneath the surface of the holiday season. From the rise of Krampus to centuries-old tales of winter demons, ghostly intruders and night-stalking creatures, Tim walks us through the darker side of Christmas tradition and what these stories reveal about survival, morality and the human imagination. We discuss how frightening folklore once served as teaching tools, why these tales flourished in cold, pre-industrial winters, and the surprising ritual of leaving food or clothing to avoid becoming a monster’s next target.

We also explore how Victorian ghost stories became a firmly rooted seasonal tradition, why The Nutcracker was once much more unsettling than the ballet we know today, and how cultures outside Europe developed their own chilling winter rituals. Tim shares his favorite creatures, the most shocking tales he uncovered, and how modern culture has reshaped these old fears into festivals, parades and pop-culture icons. If you thought Christmas was all candles and comfort, this conversation may change the way you see December forever.

You can find Tim's book, The Scary Book of Christmas Lore: 50 Terrifying Yuletide Tales from Around the World, at Amazon: https://amzn.to/4rNjt8r

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