Reviews - The Dead of Winter: Beware the Krampus and Other Wicked Christmas Creatures

241 reviews for:

The Dead of Winter: Beware the Krampus and Other Wicked Christmas Creatures

Sarah Clegg

3.84 AVERAGE

mel_ificent1's review

4.75

dark informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

meggarr's review

3.25

dark informative medium-paced

This is a cute, informative collection detailing some of the spookier, lesser known folklore, customs, and midwinter characters associated with the Christmas season. I feel as though the subtitle “Beware the Krampus and Other Wicked Christmas Creatures” does a disservice to this book by setting the reader’s expectations toward a niche topic that is not actually at the center of this work. While the darker figures of Christmas are featured prominently, the heart of this book is more so the author’s personal and limited exploration into how several (mostly European) cultures addressed the unsettling chill and bleakness of midwinter in the past few centuries- with some creating customs which centered around livening the season with feasting, debauchery, and frivolity, while others found entertainment in lighthearted scares. Ultimately, this book falls short of being a comprehensive account of both “wicked Christmas creatures” and the darker side of the Christmas season, but is still an interesting seasonal read.

herbaceousriot's review

5.0

adventurous informative mysterious fast-paced

The Dead of Winter by Sarah Clegg is a fascinating deep dive into the hidden stories behind winter traditions. This isn’t your typical holiday read—it’s a thoughtful and thought-provoking exploration of the season’s obscure and often unsettling roots, shedding light on the layers of history that have been buried under modern interpretations.

Clegg’s research is impressive, bringing to life forgotten rituals, curious folklore, and the ways different cultures have celebrated the darkest time of the year. One of the standout aspects of the book is its candid discussion of how the church and consumerism have reshaped or outright replaced many traditions. From pagan festivals co-opted by religious institutions to the commercialization of winter holidays, Clegg doesn’t shy away from tackling how these forces have influenced what we celebrate today.

The writing is sharp and engaging, striking a perfect balance between academic rigor and readability. It’s the kind of book that will make you question everything you thought you knew about the holidays while delighting you with its strange and obscure details.

If you’re looking for something unique to read this winter—something that challenges the sanitized version of holiday traditions—The Dead of Winter is an absolute must. It’s an insightful, fascinating, and slightly haunting look at the season we thought we knew.

owlishbookish's review against another edition

4.0

dark informative reflective medium-paced

This made for a nice break from all the holiday fiction I've been reading lately while giving me the opportunity to learn more about various pieces of European folklore surrounding the winter months. A pleasing mix of familiar figures and new information made this an informative, quick option for the holidays. The narration was fairly well done, as well. It felt a little like sitting around a fire, listening to a storyteller.