Christmas lights
alone for the holidays
near the edge
Category: Christmas
Book Gift Ideas for Halloween and Horror Fans
I’ve compiled a list of great holiday horror and Halloween books that your favorite Halloween and horror fan will love this Creepmas. I live in Los Angeles area so some of my suggestions reflect my current location, but free feel to check local bookstores in your area. Happy Holidays!
Holiday Horror:
We Bleed Red and Green by Jeff C. Carter
Hot off the heels of his October anthology We Bleed Orange & Black: 31 Funsize Tales for Halloween, Jeff C. Carter is back with 12 new tales of Christmas terror.
Secret Santa by Andrew Shaffer
There’s a lot to unwrap in this fun, festive horror set in the big, bad, cut-throat publishing world of the 1980s.
Nos4A2 by Joe Hill
Time-travel, immortal vampires and Christmas make for one terrifying tale for the holidays. When you’re done reading, check out season one of the TV adapation from AMC Channel on Amazon Prime.
Krampus: Shadow of Saint Nicholas by Michael Dougherty (Graphic Novel)
From the creator of Trick ‘r Treat, Michael Dougherty shares his Krampus vision in a new graphic novel form, filled with stunning artwork.
The Old Magic of Christmas by Linda Raedisch
Come check out the Yuletide tales of witches, elves and ghosts, Perfect winter reading. Keep an eye out for the new Audiobook coming on December 22, 2020.
Krampus’s Great Big Book of Yuletide Monsters by Amanda Woomer
Come explore the spooky world of Krampus and other holiday monsters in this latest book from author and paranormal investigator, Amanda Woomer.
Halloween Books:
Pumpkins and Party Themes: 50 DIY Designs to Bring Your Halloween Extravaganza to Life By Roxanne Rhoads
I know 2020 put a damper on our Halloween celebrations this year, which only means we should come back hard in 2021. This book is full of ideas and DIY designs to help get us ready for the perfect party next year!
Creating Your Vintage Halloween: The folklore, traditions, and some crafty makes by Marion Paull
What a fantastic way to learn all about Halloween traditions. This beautiful, fully-colored little book is a dream for vintage Halloween collectors and Halloween lovers.
The Halloween Kid by Rhode Montijo
From author and illustrator Rhode Montijo, follow along with the adventures of the mysterious masked defender of Halloween. Word around town is there’s an animated show in the works.
Other Horror Related Books:
The Lady from the Black Lagoon by Mallory O’Meara
This LA Times Bestseller, which topped all the 2019 ‘Best Of’ lists, uncovers the mysterious life of former Disney animator, Milicent Patrick, the only woman in history to create a Hollywood classic movie monster.
Graven Images: The Best of Horror, Fantasy, and Science-Fiction Film Art from the Collection of Ronald V. Borst (Hardcover), Introduction by Stephen King
I absolutely fell in love with this beautiful, bright, fully-color collection of vintage Hollywood movie posters. It’s a great read for film lovers and filled with the history behind some of Hollywood’s best classic horror and sci-fi movies.
Universal Studios Monsters: A Legacy of Horror by Michael Mallory, Stephen Sommers (Foreword)
Come explore the magnificent legacy of Universal Studio’s Monsters, learn all about the characters, their mythologies and get behind-the scenes insights into Hollywood’s golden age of horror.
The Spirit Guide: America’s Haunted Breweries, Distilleries, and Wineries by Amanda Woomer
I predict once this pandemic is over, travel will come roaring back to life and 2021 will be the perfect time for a paranormal adventure. This awesome read breaks down what to expect when you visit some of America’s most haunted bars, breweries, wineries and more!
Classic Books:
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding (Poirot) by Agatha Christie
Haiku of the Week
broken bauble
mischievous smile
the changeling
UNIQUE GIFTS FOR HALLOWEEN AND HORROR FANS
Looking to impress that special Halloween and horror fan in your household this Creepmas? Well, check out my list of oddball and unique, but totally awesome gifts! Remember to shop local and small business when you can this year!
BUY FACEMASKS! Protect your loved ones and help defeat this Covid-19 pandemic! Great stocking stuffers! With over 280,000 dead from Coronavirus, I’m advocating face masks hard this year. You can never have too many. Buy different kinds. Themed face masks are fun. Do it for yourself, your family, your friends, your neighbors, your co-workers, your school mates, your grocery store clerks, your favorite artists, musicians, celebrities, and complete random strangers. Staying alive is not a political issue! PLEASE WEAR A FACE MASK.
https://www.zazzle.com/halloween+face+masks
Scare Package from Creepy Co., $53.99-$109.99
I’m not sure this is a new idea but I love it! Creepy Co has fun 2 item or 3 item sets available featuring blankets, T-shirts, hats, socks, etc.
https://www.creepycompany.com/collections/creepy-co-scare-packages
Mezco Toys Presents Living Dead Doll, Elvira-Mistress of the Dark, now available for Pre-order, ships in July 2021, $52
The Queen of Halloween, Elvira joins the Living Dead Doll family. This is a must have if you are an Elvira fan or a Living Dead Doll fan.
https://www.mezcotoyz.com/ldd-presents-elvira-mistress-of-the-dark
Sam Statue Decoration, $39.99
Sam from Trick ‘r Treat movie is our Halloween hero! This 16” light-up statue decoration made of resin, sold exclusively at Spirit Halloween Stores is gorgeous.
https://www.spirithalloween.com/product/16-inch-light-up-sam-statue-decoration-trick-r-treat/178192.uts?Extid=sf_froogle
Legend of Sleepy Hollow Writing Gloves, $26
I think I’ve mentioned before that Legend of Sleepy Hollow is one of my favorite literary characters and I adore these fingerless gloves from Storiarts. Great for a night of reading.
https://storiarts.com/collections/gloves/products/the-legend-of-sleepy-hollow-writing-gloves
Pawzuph Statue, $23.99
This hand painted polyresin statue named Pawzuph, a horned occult cat, is simply too beautiful for words. I feel like this little guy needs a legendary story to go with him.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/825728054/pawzuph-horned-occult-cat-figurine
The Walking Dead We Are the Walking Dead Black Mug, $15
After ten years, The Walking Dead Universe is still going strong, with two different shows on television right now, the final Season 11 of the flagship show, due out in late 2021, and planned spin-offs featuring our favorite characters. Plenty of more collecting to be had.
https://thewalkingdeadshop.amc.com/collections/drinkware/products/the-walking-dead-we-are-the-walking-dead-black-mug
Krampus Activity Book from Fright Rags, $10
Scary T-shirt afficionados Fright Rags now features officially licensed Krampus brand and this Krampus Activity Book is hours of fun.
https://www.fright-rags.com/collections/krampus/products/krampus-activity-book
MINIATURES
Halloween Miniatures make great gifts. They’re perfect for dioramas, terrariums, supplementing entire Halloween villages, or just all by themselves. Some name brands are expensive, but shop around to get best prices and discounts. Off-season is always a good time to buy. Miniatures make great stocking stuffers too!
Lemax Collection – Spooky Town Villages – Prices and Stores Vary
https://www.lemaxcollection.com/villages/spooky-town
Dept. 56 – Prices and Stores Vary
https://department56.com/
Miniatures.com
https://www.miniatures.com/Halloween-C41.aspx
The Little Dollhouse Company
https://www.thelittledollhousecompany.com/dollhouses-miniatures-furniture-kits/halloween-miniatures-c-9_375/
L.A. COUNTY LOCALS
Suggestions for my hometown peeps. Online ordering and pick-up available. Check website for store hours and other info. Facemasks are great stuffers!
Dark Delicacies – Large selection of horror books, signed CDs & Vinyls, clothing, purses, jewelry, horror memorabilia, horror Geeki Tikis, Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab oils, horror facemasks, and other unique gifts.
Frankenstein Turntable Spinature, $25
https://www.darkdel.com/store/p1920/Frankenstein_Spinature.html#/
Horror Socks from Character, $10
https://www.darkdel.com/store/p1846/Horror_Socks.html#/
FACEMASKS
https://www.darkdel.com/store/p1735/Masks___.html#/
******
Bearded Lady’s Mystic Museum – Large selection of clothing, books, witchcraft supplies, tarot cards, divination, taxidermy, antiques, and unique gifts. Looking to get into witchcraft, but don’t want to be overwhelmed or intimidated? Then, this is the place to go!
Vampir Slippers, $38
https://beardedladysmysticmuseum.square.site/product/vampir-slippers/4111?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=13
Krampus Air Freshner, $5
https://beardedladysmysticmuseum.square.site/product/krampus-air-freshener-/4137?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=53
FACEMASKS
https://beardedladysmysticmuseum.square.site/s/search?q=face%20mask
*****
Halloweentown Store – Large selection of T-shirts, costumes, facemasks, replica vintage Halloween decor, novelty gifts, Funko Pop! Vinyl Figures, Wacky Wobblers, Iconz, Mystery Minis and more. Great place to find sold-out collectibles too.
Trick ‘r Treat Vinyl Record, $105
http://www.halloweentownstore.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=HS&Product_Code=WAX105&Category_Code=Vinyl_Records
Ouija Mystifying Mints, $5
http://www.halloweentownstore.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=HS&Product_Code=CANDY117&Category_Code=Mints
FACEMASKS
http://www.halloweentownstore.com/page/HS/CTGY/Face_Masks_Fabric
*****
Monster-A-GoGo, featuring Kreepsville 666 The “Original Scare Wear” – New location in East L.A. (Melrose closed), clothing, purses, accessories, pins, collectibles, Hexmas, and brand names such as Elvira, Vampira, Vincent Price, and more!
Haunted House Purse, $54
https://store.kreepsville666.com/collections/new-and-restocked/products/haunted-house-purse
Elvira Macabre Mobile Men’s T-shirt, $25
https://store.kreepsville666.com/collections/gifts-under-25-00/products/elvira-macabre-mobile-mens-t-shirt
FACEMASKS
https://store.kreepsville666.com/collections/face-masks
*****
Traditions – Traditional homemade style and replica holiday themed vintage décor, wreaths, figurines, ornaments, home and garden, tableware, Bethany Lowe, Kathrine’s Collection, and more! Collectibles and other items sell out quickly!
Jack O’Lantern Topiary $150
https://www.christmastraditions.com/product/TJ7743.html
Black Cat Jack with Pumpkin $15
https://www.christmastraditions.com/product/TPH7812a.html
MERRY CREEPMAS!
Happy Krampusnacht!
A special haiku in honor of Krampus night, December 5th.
open window
where are the children
krampus bell
Monthly Haiku Corner – December
Our theme this month will be dark and spooky Christmas.
bloody santa hat
a moment of weakness
vampire
Gifts for Classic Monster Lovers
Every Sunday until the week of Christmas, I’ll post a gift giving guide for Halloween and horror fans. From cool collectibles to offbeat gifts, check out these awesome gifts I came across, featuring the classic Universal monsters.
Ravensburger Universal Monsters Horrified Board Game – Target/Walmart ($30)
Universal Monsters Funko Mystery Minis – Amazon/Various Stores ($7-$25)
Holiday Horrors Monsters Ornaments – Trick or Treat Studios ($19.99)
Universal Monster Geeki Tiki Mugs – Entertainment Earth ($19.99)
Universal Monsters The Creature From the Black Lagoon and Frankenstein’s Monster Bottle Stopper Box Set – Toy Wiz ($29.99)
Dracula Puzzle, Pocket Size – Wiz Head ($12.95)
https://wizhead.com/site/product_detail/MON-22-P
Universal Monsters Socks! Art by Sara Deck – Fright Rags ($12)
Invisible Man Vintage Mug – Tee Public ($11)
Phantom of the Opera Bookmarks – Film Cells ($9.99)
While Film Cells does have its own website and store, they’re only selling the Universal Monster bookmarks via Amazon
The Mummy – Classic Universal Monsters USPS Stamp replica pin / tie tack – Boris Karloff – Postal Brass ($8)
Universal Monsters art print, Dracula, Frankenstein, The Mummy, Wolfman, Creature from the Black Lagoon, Horror art, 11 x 17″ print – Paul Maitland ($15)
LINKS TO OFFICIAL LICENSED CLOTHING COLLECTIONS:
https://www.hottopic.com/pop-culture/shop-by-license/universal-monsters/
Creeped Out Christmas Art/Photo Challenge 2020
So, here’s the deal, Krampus is coming. That’s that. 2020 is not done with us. The face on Grandma’s vintage snowman, probably caved in. Those holiday lights you put away last year with meticulous care, suddenly, a big knot. The money you saved to give the kids a nice Christmas, probably going to fix your car or pay the rent or buy a new refrigerator, whatever, it’s gone! To top it all off, Covid-19 just ruined all our holidays plans! Such is pandemic life!
Burnt cookies, broken baubles, no problem. Don’t get mean, get creative! Join us on Instagram this December for the Creeped Out Christmas Art/Photo Challenge 2020! We like it dark and scary! #CreepedOutChristmas
Join in the fun any time, any day, but, if you post something all 25 days, you’ll be entered into a random drawing** to win a prize!!!
**Contestants must post an authentic, original art piece or photo each day from December 1-25, on Instagram, using #CreepedOutChristmas AND be a current follower of @halloweenhaiku9 be to be entered into the drawing. Contest ends midnight, pacific time, December 25, 2020. Winner will be chosen and announced here and on social media on December 26th. Please see Contest Rules for more details.
Prize – TBD, valued up to $20.
Ten Gifts for Edgar Allan Poe Fans
Starting today, every Sunday until the week of Christmas, I’ll post a gift giving guide for Halloween and horror fans. After a late start, we’re kicking off with ten gifts for Edgar Allan Poe fans. Who wouldn’t love to get an inspirational gift from the master of the macabre?
1. The Raven Writing Gloves by Storiarts – $26
I’m in love with these gloves and infinity scarves based on the literary classics. They have other amazing products as well, but these are my faves. They look so warm and comfy.
https://storiarts.com/collections/gloves/products/the-raven-writing-gloves
2. The Raven Wine Box by Me and Annabel Lee $55
This beautiful wine box is a gothic delight. When paired with the right wine, it’ll be a classy looking gift.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/846112079/wine-box-the-raven-the-crow-black-vino?ga_search_query=Raven&ref=shop_items_search_17
3. Nevermore Raven-Halloween Vellum Luminarie by Paper Pixie – $11.25
Candles make you nervous? Try these low light lanterns made of vellum to really set the mood for a dark and stormy night. https://www.etsy.com/listing/555102149/halloween-vellum-luminarie-collection?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=Nevermore+candles&ref=sr_gallery-1-48&organic_search_click=1
4. The Raven Cushion Cover by Violet Rose Emporium $24.99
Add a touch of gothic to your home furnishings with these handmade cushion covers.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/656264205/the-raven-by-edgar-allan-poe-cushion?ga_search_query=poe&ref=shop_items_search_4&crt=1
5. Poe Writer’s Block by Literature Lodge – $9.99
Is there a writer in the family? Draw inspiration from the master of macabre with this cool writer’s block.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/205154821/writers-block-edgar-allan-poe?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=Edgar+Allan+Poe&ref=sr_gallery-1-7&organic_search_click=1&cns=1
6. Poe Coffee Mugs by Universal Zone – $23.95 ($18.95 unboxed)
Coffee mugs with excerpts from Poe’s poems are classy cool and perfect for afternoon tea or nighttime reading.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/821275397/the-raven-mug-the-raven-by-edgar-allan?ga_search_query=poe&ref=shop_items_search_7&pro=1
7. Tell-tale Heart Bandana by Obscurely Lit – $20
This versatile bandana can be used as a face shield, head band or a neck warmer. During pandemic times, we can never have too much protection, so why not have something representing our favorite literary stories?
https://www.etsy.com/listing/792541469/the-tell-tale-heart-face-bandana?ref=shop_home_active_2&pro=1&frs=1
8. Edgar Allan Poe Tarot by Llewellyn – $31.99
Poe fans and tarot card collectors, rejoice, with this beautiful new deck designed by Rose Wright and Eugene Smith for Llewellyn. Check around the web for competitive pricing.
https://www.llewellyn.com/product.php?ean=9780738760339&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI5a-Tk6WQ7QIVQuDACh1m7QQPEAQYASABEgKHkvD_BwE
9. Poe Vinyl Stickers by Paper Pandamonium – $5.82
These stickers are perfect stocking stuffers.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/695932950/edgar-allan-poe-vinyl-sticker-pack-vinyl?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=Edgar+Allan+Poe+stickers&ref=sr_gallery-1-3&organic_search_click=1
10. Nevermore Collage Fabric by Michael Miller
This fabric designed by Michael Miller is to die for. You can make face masks, clothes, bedding, bags, art projects, and more. I’ve seen it sold at various prices, so check Etsy and around the web for competitive pricing.
https://www.michaelmillerfabrics.com/nevermore-collage.html
Remember to shop local and small business when you can this year.
Sinister Saturday: Krampus Approved Christmas Coal Recipe
Earlier this week, I went out Halloween shopping, looking for a few items needed to complete my decorations. Unfortunately, Halloween has already been replaced in the stores by Christmas! What crap is this. Wait your turn, Christmas!
Now, I’m no hater. I’m just pissy and sad the Halloween season is half over. I suppose it’s only fair, I mean, Christmas-loving folks are just trying to get happy like us Halloween fans were trying to do back in July. So, in the spirit of community, I’m willing to compromise, with the help, and permission, from the The Necro-Nom-Nom-Nomicon, I’m by sharing a fangtastic recipe that brings both Christmas and Halloween together with Krampus Approved Christmas Coal. Krampus might not be the sweetest creature stirring but this black-as-night dessert is sinfully spookilicious!
For ingredients list and recipe, please visit www.eatthedead.com
If Christmas insists on encroaching on Halloween’s turf during October, well, then, we’re just gonna have to make the holidays all dreary and fright. How do you feel about it? Let me know in the comments or tag me on social media @HalloweenHaiku9
Have yourself a scary little Christmas and a Happy Halloween!
Halloween Horror Haiku 
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