Christmas Cocktail: Cranberry Margarita Spritzer

Merry Christmas! I’ve had a nice lazy relaxing day. It’s been stressful last three months and now I’m ready for few days off to reset before a busy 2024. Tonight’s Christmas cocktail, a sweet and slightly fizzy concoction, is really an experiment of what’s left at the bottom of the kitchen cupboard, but I think it tastes pretty good.

Ingredients:

1 cup cranberry wine
1.5 oz Tequila
.05 oz Elderflower liqueur
ice (optional)

Wishing you a safe and happy holidays!

Monthly Haiku Corner – December

Happy December! I can’t believe it’s the last month of 2023. It’s been long ridiculous year. The theme this month is Merry and Fright. It’s a traditional Christmas vibe with a little dash of spooky sprinkled in. I’ll have lots of cool haiku, gift-giving guides, scary holiday movies lists and free gifts to give away so stay tuned. Season’s Screaming!

winter wonderland
creatures stirring for creepmas
all merry and fright

Happy December!

Happy December! The theme this month is Merry and Fright. One of the many things I love about December is the chance for a second Halloween! Work was a little crazy last month and November got away from me. I knew it was going to be an off month and so I used the time to reset because I love posting about haunted holidays. Who doesn’t love a good dark and scary Creepmas?!

Merry and Fright is for the people who love both Halloween and Christmas. These two holidays are close cousins, completely opposite, yet so similar in nature, they can be celebrated in the same way. Merry and Fright is traditional Christmas, but a little dark, little creepy, little kitschy, and little scary.

Yes, Christmas, like Halloween, tends to be overcommercialized but if we continue to spread love, kindness, understanding, and goodwill, along with education of the traditions and history of the holiday, we’re gonna be okay.

Which reminds me…here, Christmas is not Jesus’ birthday, but it IS the chosen date to represent ALL religious and pagan holidays and traditions. It’s a hodge podge and that means it’s okay to say Merry Christmas, it’s okay to say Happy Holidays, and celebrate all traditions, including putting up the pagan Christmas tree, lighting the Hanukkah menorah, lighting the Kwanzaa Kinara, waiting around for Sinterklaus, ringing a bell for Krampus, and throwing a birthday party for little Jesús. I don’t have time for hate, end of story….nor racism, prejudice, bigotry, nationalism, extremism, or sexism, so please don’t bring it.

The world is full of bad guys, war and strife enough as it is, so I’m trying to create a safe space for everyone who loves Christmas and Halloween. My holiday gift to you will be fun, frivolity, holiday haiku, holiday horror, holiday spirits, games, contests, free prizes, and gift-giving guides for those looking for the dark and spooky items for those special loved ones. So keep tuning in all month long.

Merry Creepmas and Happy Hellidays to all!

Haiku of the Week

As Christmas season 2022 winds down, we look forward to a bright and shining year. Now is the time to start anew. Refresh. Shed skin. Take on new challenges and don’t look back. The past is gone. There’s nothing for us there.

Our little ghost friend had a visitor last night, and now, he’s safely back with his family, where he belongs. See, everything works out in the end, even for the haunted. Our theme this month has been haunted holidays.

_upscale

sugarplum dreams
bright light in the darkness
Ole Saint Nick was here

Happy New Year, everyone!

Spooky Last Minute Gifts

Happy Yule! Our theme this month has been haunted holidays. A week ago, I shared great gifts for Ghost Hunters, but what if you missed your shopping window? Christmas is not lost! The best thing about buying for Halloween and Horror lovers is there are a ton of great last-minute gift ideas. So, stay cool and let’s save Christmas morning!

Digital Downloads via Kindle of The Omnist Series by Rob Weldon: The Omnist series is new funny, magical fantasy series centering around a spiritual center in Los Angeles with an app that matches people to gods to worship, daily affirmations, prayers and mantras, spiritual advice and guidance, retail merchandise to purchase, and in-person events that fit the needs of the person seeking out some other type of religious experience that they don’t get through the traditional religions. Protoganists will change book to book and Book three is due out in 2023.

Tattoo Vouchers

Thinking of getting a tattoo of your favorite artists, well, guess what? Tattoos are now copyrighted and the hot thing to do is get a voucher from the artists, giving permission to the tattooist to use one of their works on your body. Trust me, make sure your tattoo is legit.

Ghoulish Bunny: Diana Levin, artist

Give the Gift of Patreon

Gift your loved one year of Patreon to their favorite artist, podcast, or someone new and cool and they’ll really love it. Everyone loves to be entertained and inspired.

It’s Always Halloween: Haunted host, Lucé Tomlin-Brenner. provides a year ‘round research-based podcast that dives deep into the dark history of our favorite horror-filled holiday. Every episode is backed by a custom soundscape created by audio engineer, Pete Byrnes. 

Scary Podcast Subscriptions

Scary Story Podcast Subscription: Lifetime Member unlimited access to all shows, completely ad-free. If your loved one loves podcasts and spooky stories, this sounds like a hot deal to me!

Crunchyroll Streaming Membership

Crunchyroll Steaming Membership Digital Gift: There are a lot of spooky horror animes out there and thanks to Crunchyroll, you can gift a one year streaming membership digital card for just $80.

Spooky Cute Art Prints – Buy yourself some time!

Okay, here’s what you do: Find a really cute spooky cute art seller, go to their shop, buy item(s), copy and paste, and/or print said item, stick the printed pic in a holiday card, and explain their new art print is on its way, but there were unexpected shipping delays. Your giftee gets to see what they got, and they’ll love it, and then, when it arrives, it’s like second Christmas!

TexDoodles Shop on Redbubble

Defective Pudding Shop

Jeff Granito Designs

Killer Pumpkins

There’s a number of fantastic artists out there with shops selling art prints, stickers, apparel, and more. It’s really hard to choose, so, please understand, I pick sellers at random and I’m just trying to spread some ghostly love.

Gifts from Across the Pond

Ghost decor from Oktober31st.co.uk store – Direct from the UK, the country with the most ghosts, ghost lovers will find enamel pins to wall decor, mugs to ornaments, stickers to art prints from this independently owned shop. Spooky Wil has all your ghastly needs covered! He also carries gift certificates available so plenty of time to cover those peeps that you won’t see until after the holidays. https://october31st.co.uk/Creepmas


Gift Yourself!

Um, did you forget someone this season? Maybe you have a new Visa giftcard or some cash gifted to you from your Auntie burning a hole in your pocket? Well, look no further.

Creepycompany.com is one of my favorite stores. From apparrel to home goods, Creepy Co. has a wide selection and good variety of different brands to choose from, like Future Ghost. Let’s face facts, ghosts are real cuz we’re all future ghosts.

Creepmas Ghost Mugs – $£4.50
Get into the holiday spirit with these one-of-a-kind coffee and tea mugs.
https://october31st.co.uk/creepmas-ghosts-red-and-white-mug/

The Original Ghost Candles from Melou Candles on Etsy – $12
These adorable soy candles come in several colors and aromas. Perfect all year round.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1294979125/the-original-ghost-candles-halloween?gpla=1&gao=1&

Beistle Batty Ghosts socks Creepy Co – $12
Why do ghosts love socks? Because they have no soles.
https://www.google.com/shopping/product/10097891489514919537?q=ghosts+socks&client=ms-android-verizon&biw=360&bih=621&tbs=vw:g&prds=eto:11993294977634636907_0,cdl:1,prmr:1,cs:1

I hope you find the perfect gift for your loved ones this season. If nothing on this list worked for you, I hope I inspired you to think up more ideas on your own. There are tons of independent artists, writers, and other creators out there

Haiku of the Week

Our little ghost has no name, but he wanders the hallways of his old home this December, looking for Christmas cheer. The theme this month is haunted holidays.

grand noble fir
lit candles on the branches
our last Christmas eve

Gifts for Ghost Hunters

Thinking of embarking on an exciting journey of becoming a paranormal investigator, or perhaps you have a young family member interested in ghosts and paranormal research? Well, you’ve come to the right place. There are dozens of options these days for folks just starting out. My lists are designed for quick and easy holiday shopping, but I encourage all to do a little bit of research before making big decisions on pricey equipment.

Top Shops

Ghost Stop – One-stop shopping for ghost hunter fans
https://www.ghoststop.com/gifts/

Ghost Hunter’s Equipment by Ghost Augustine – As seen on Taps, Ghost Adventures, Destination Fear, Ghost Finders, and many more.
https://ghosthuntersequipment.com

Top Gifts List

Motion Light Balls – $5
Think there’s a ghost in the room? Well toss one of these suckers on the floor and wait to see if the ghost interacts with it. Made for one-time use, so get a couple for the stocking.
https://www.ghoststop.com/motion-light-ball/


Antique Brass Compass – $12
Before EMF readers, changes in magnetic fields were judged by this little pocket-size tool. No need to worry about batteries or technical issues, any standard brass compass will point you in the right direction.
https://www.amazon.com/Antiqued-Brass-Poem-Compass-Leather/dp/B009HJOE3O/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=vintage+compass&qid=1671324858&sr=8-2

The Ghost Hunters Handbook by Lori Summers on Etsy – $15
A little pocket guide for hunters on the go.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1061718871/the-ghost-hunters-handbook-a-field-guide

A Teen’s Guide to Ghost Hunting by Amanda Woomer – $15
This book written by paranormal investigator and author Amanda Woomer from Spook Eats was designed to introduce teens to the exciting world of paranormal investigation. Ms. Woomer has written several books about her paranormal adventures, so she knows a thing or two about ghost hunting.
https://spookeats.com/a-teens-guide-to-ghost-hunting/

Ghostology: The Art of the Ghost Hunter by Steve T. Parsons – $18 (paperback)
Not a how-to book per se, but anyone interested in getting into paranormal investigations, whether for a career or hobby, should check out paranormal author and veteran ghost hunter Steve T. Parson’s work. The man is a bit of an expert on the subject and has been featured on shows of some of television’s biggest networks, such as BBC, Discovery Network, National Geographic, and ITV to name a few.
https://www.amazon.com/Ghostology-Hunter-Steven-T-Parsons/dp/191012172X

Winning Moves Classic Ouija Board Game – $28
Because no good ghost story starts with a game of Sorry. I recommend beginners start with a little small talk first. If you get any feedback, then, you might want to up your game.
https://winning-moves.com/product/ouija.asp

LED Flashight: ThurNite Archer 2A 3V Cool White – $30
Ghost hunting 101: Everyone knows the first tool of a great paranormal investigator is the almighty flashlight. Ghost hunting takes place at night, in the darkest and spookiest of places. No one wants to break a leg looking for Casper, right? If you want the best and have the money to pay for it, check out the Fenix PD36R, but for those on a budget, the ThruNite Archer is the next best thing.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08H1NTK82/?tag=gjbgtechgeneralflashlights-20

Digital Voice Recorder 16GB – $50
Ghosts have a lot to talk about, but you’re gonna need a good recorder to catch what they say.
https://ghosthuntersequipment.com/collections/spirit-boxes/products/digital-voice-recorder

K2 EMF Meter – $65
The legendary, original paranormal tool used by the pros! This was game changer in paranormal investigating when Ghost Hunters show hit the airwaves, as the practice was consider by many to be pseudoscience. The use of practical and very real technology brought an aire of legitimacy to the practice.
https://ghosthuntersequipment.com/collections/emf-meters/products/k2-emf-meter-plus

EVP Wrist Recorder 3 – $80
For ghost hunters on the go or anyone who suddenly find themselves all alone in a dark, old, spooky place, or, maybe not so alone…
https://www.ghoststop.com/evp-wrist-recorder-3/

Zip up Hoodie Sweatshirt from Ghost Hunters – $99
Gearing up for long cold nights? Don’t forget to pick up a zip up hoodie sweatshirt to keep warm from one of the best paranormal shows ever created.
https://www.officialghosthunters.com/shop/zip-up-hoodie

Beginner Ghost Hunter Kit – $149
Fancy a new hobby in the ghost hunting field but not quite ready for fancy equipment? Then, check out the beginner ghost hunter kits from Ghost Stop. https://www.ghoststop.com/beginner-ghost-hunting-kit/

BooBuddy Interactive Bear – $400
He’s cute. He’s cuddly. But he is not a toy, he’s a ghost hunter!
https://www.ghoststop.com/boobuddy-interactive-bear/

BooBuddy Jr. EMF Trigger Bear – $80
For those who still want to track changes in energy, but suffer PSTD from the Teddy Ruxpin era.
https://www.ghoststop.com/boobuddy-jr-emf-trigger-bear/

Pro Ghost Hunter Kit – $699
This kit has every tool a ghost hunter needs to tackle a big haunt or go pro!
https://www.ghoststop.com/evp-wrist-recorder-3/

Friday Fright Nightcaps – Xmas Edition: Peppermint Madness Martini

Candy cane lovers, indulge your sweet tooth with this dessert holiday cocktail, Peppermint Madness Martini.

Ingredients:
1 cup Peppermint Ice Cream
12 oz. Peppermint Mocha Creamer
2 oz. Peppermint Liqueur
4-6 oz. Vodka
3 oz. Malibu or Coconut Rum

Add all in blender with a little bit of ice and mix well. Serve cold with a candy cane.

Optional rim garnishment:
Red sugar
Crushed candy canes

Peppermint Madness Martini

You can tone down the sugar and thicken it up by replacing the creamer with heavy whipping cream. Also, add a bit more vodka and leave off the garnish.

7 Gifts That Don’t Suck for Vampire Fans

Kicking off the 2022 Christmas gift-giving guide season with 7 gifts that don’t suck for vampire fans. Vampire fans are a picky bunch and luckily, there are numerous gift ideas that will quench their bloodlust and won’t break the bank.

Bleeding Skull Candles

Bleeding candles are all the rage. Something Different Vampire Blood Tears out of the UK sells taper candles online or through Amazon, or you can try these bleeding skull candles from Gute, which look even cooler.

Bleeding skull candles from Gute

Gothic Black or Purple Damask Throw Pillows

These beautiful gothic throw pillows designed by Teri Sherman and sold through Redbubble are easy ways for vampire fans to goth up a regular couch or bed. Sold in black, purple, and red.

Coffin Ring

Nothing says I’ll love you forever like a coffin ring made of Onyx from Blood Milk Jewels. Of course, there are cheaper alternatives out there for people on a budget, or pricer options, for those looking to get even more serious.

Vampire Capes

Capes are in! Okay, well, long capes like this Black and Red Reversible Cape from the Pyramid Collection is still tricky fashion and better suited for costumes, but short black capes and ponchos are definitely a thing. They go with everything from little black dresses to jeans and boots, and they keep little black hearts warm.

Bela Lugosi Collection from Creepy Co.

Bela Lugosi has an entire line of officially licensed and trademarked clothing and merch sold online through Creepy Co., which offers a number of officially licensed horror collections. Thanks to his business savvy and vigilant family, Bela Lugosi is practically synonymous with his most famous role, Dracula, the 1931 film from Universal Pictures, and I’m all for keeping that legend going. From pins to patches, socks to t-shirts, and my personal favorite, the poster pajama set, surely there is something here for vampire fans of all ages and types.

Wine Gifts from Vampire Vineyards

Vampire Vineyard won the domain name game over vampire.com and successfully trademarked a number of vamp names and images to use with their brand. Their single wines come with a cute little Vampire Wine Cape and are actually quite tasty. Vampire offers a broad range of wine, food gifts, and other merch. Everyone knows wine is the true elixir of life, so vampire fans can relax with a bottle and stop worrying over whether their blood types match.

The Vampira Diaries, 1954-1956 Book by Jonny Coffin

Maila Nurmi a.k.a Vampira, the first inspiration for all the mistresses of the dark that followed, had a bit of a rough life and it’s hard to be supportive of her legacy when there’s next to no official merchandise out there. That’s why this limited edition pre-order coffee table book to celebrate her life is so important. Authored by the eccentric Jonny Coffin, creator of the original Coffin Case, this is a chance for fans to learn a little more about the Original Glamor Ghoul and it’s sold directly through her official shop run by her family, which is nice. I hope they can capitalize on Vampira’s popularity and run a successful store. Btw, I hear only 1000 hand-stamped books will exist, so they’re likely to sell out fast.

Happy Caturday – December

Have yourself a meowy little Christmas!

Pawzuph Black Horned Cat Hanging Decorative Ornament from Once Upon a Spell Gifts

ETSY SHOP: https://www.etsy.com/shop/OnceUponaspellGifts