Book Review: The Dead of Winter: Beware the Krampus and Other Wicked Christmas Creatures by Sarah Clegg

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

“We may spend midwinter surrounded by warmth, good food, and companionship, but Christmas coincides with the darkest time of the year, and the legends we have repeated and adapted over the centuries remind us that beyond the glow of firelight, the shadows are waiting.”

Meticulously researched and informative, The Dead of Winter: Beware the Krampus and Other Wicked Christmas Creatures by Sarah Clegg is a fascinating read that delves into traditions and folklore that are rooted in the darker history of winter traditions in Europe. Featuring witches, ghouls, monsters, and other “wicked” creatures ( Krampus, Grýla, Mari Lwyd and Père Fouettard among others) the author takes us on a journey through history tracing back to the Ancient Roman festival of Saturnalia, to the Kalends of January celebrated through Late Antiquity and how several traditions have evolved.

“For most of the last two thousand years, the days we now call Christmas were a time when you elected false kings, when you turned the world on its head and the previously impermissible was suddenly allowed.”

Interspersed between explorations into historical and mythical origins of said traditions and present-day customs are the author’s musings and first-hand descriptions of festivities that are held throughout different regions in Europe in the present day spanning from early December to mid-January, including the Venice Carnival, the Salzburg Krampus Run and the Stonehenge Winter Solstice to name a few, traditions such as wassails, guising and much more. The author has also included a few illustrations to accompany the text, though I do wish there were more.

Though I would have enjoyed a more detailed exploration into certain customs (and perhaps some insight into similar traditions from around the world), I found this to be an absorbing read. My favorite segments were “The Lord of Misrule,” “Monstrous Visitors”, “Punishing the Wicked” and “Old Gods.”

For those who enjoy reading books on the origins of holiday traditions and dark folklore rooted in history and myth, you won’t be disappointed!

Finally, the cover art is absolutely stunning!

Many thanks to Algonquin Books for the digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This novel was published in the US on November 12, 2024.

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