Spirits of the Season Quotes

“The association of ghosts with Christmastime probably dates back to early Christian beliefs that the anniversary of the birth of Christ had a calming effect on souls who were stuck in purgatory, and that therefore the day before, on Christmas Eve, they were at their most active. It’s the same reason why ghosts are said to walk on Hallowe’en—the eve of All Saints’ Day. Christmas Eve is also very close to the winter solstice—the longest night of the year. Some people have even theorised that in the 19th century, when ghost stories became hugely popular, the increased use of gas lamps over the darkest time of year could give a special enhancement to a reader’s experience—the lamps emitted carbon monoxide if they weren’t properly ventilated, and this caused headaches and even hallucinations.”
― Tanya Kirk, Spirits of the Season: Christmas Hauntings

“Unpleasant, haunting memories have a way of coming to life again just when the mind least desires them—in the silent watches of the night, on sleepless pillows, during the lonely hours spent by sick and dying beds.”
― Tanya Kirk, Spirits of the Season: Christmas Hauntings

“It is difficult to say exactly at what point fear begins, when the causes of that fear are not plainly before the eyes. Impressions gather on the surface of the mind, film by film, as ice gathers upon the surface of still water, but often so lightly that they claim no definite recognition from the consciousness.”
― Tanya Kirk, Spirits of the Season: Christmas Hauntings