Our theme this month will be dark and spooky Christmas.
bloody santa hat
a moment of weakness
vampire
Monthly Haiku Corner – December
Tag: Christmas
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!
Haiku of the Week – Special Xmas Edition
white snow
rivers of blood
war on Christmas
Best Xmas Gifts and Stocking Stuffers for Halloween Lovers, 2019
Halloween fans are dreaming of a dark and moody Christmas. Forget the goofy grandma sweaters and wicker baskets full of over-processed cheese and stale crackers, this year, slay the holidays with some frighteningly awesome gifts for your favorite Halloween lover or yourself!
THE STOCKING STUFFERS
Halloween miniatures, $2-$20
Help your Halloween fan get a jump on creating a miniature display for next season with these adorable little Halloween miniatures.
Halloween and horror pins, $5-20
Pins make the best stocking stuffers. Most are cheap but the collectibles can be more expensive.
https://lunarcryptco.com/search?type=product&q=pins
Vintage-style Halloween magnets, and stickers from Vintage Spooky Company, $5
Graphic designer Gary makes all his own original Halloween and monster art, inspired by vintage Halloween wares and other spooky stuff.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/Vintagespookycompany
Batteries, $8-$40
Don’t laugh. Everyone needs batteries. Sure, you could go for AA or AAA, but I suggest those CR2032 batteries that go in tea lights and animatronics. Those little guys get costly. Believe me, they are so appreciated.
LAST MINUTE BUYS FROM AMAZON
Llewellyns 2020 Magical Mystical Calendar featuring artwork by Lisa Parker, $15
Llewellyns make the best mystical, spiritual and witchy calendars, and they’ve once again teamed up with renowned fantasy artist Lisa Parker for 12 months of magical felines
Gracula Garlic Twist Crusher, $16
The kitchen is one of the hardest rooms in the house to decorate for Halloween fans and this little garlic crusher is simply delightful. This little novelty item is probably not good for serious cooks and heavy usage but seems perfect for once-a-blue-moon meals.
Black Candle Pillar Holders, $20
Every good witch needs a little iron and light to help ward off evil. Black candle pillar holders come in many shapes, sizes and styles, start here:
Haunted Skull Cake Pan, $28
The Nordic Ware Haunted Skull Cakelet Pan is an absolute treasure. You can make pizza skulls, skull muffins, skull burritos, Dia de Los Muertos cakes and whatever your imagination can come up with. This quality cast aluminum, non-stick pan is a must-have for any Halloween lover’s kitchen.
TIME TO SPARE
Poe Ornaments and Tea Ball Infusers by Annabel Lee and Me, $9-10
Annabel Lee and Me specialize in Poe centric and gothic wares. After you put up your dark and spooky Christmas tree covered in Poe ornaments, sit back with a nice cuppa hot tea.
Prints from the Edward Gorey Collection, $12
Eccentric artist Edward Gorey liked to draw creepy creatures and cats. He even drew the Prince of Darkness in a whimsical scene. If you’re ever in Yarmouth Port, MA, stop by the Gorey House Museum.
The Ghoulish Grimoire books by artist Diana Levin and author Shawn Givens, $12
Now on the 7th issue, these unique horror anthologies feature stunning black/white pen and ink illustrations, accompanied by two short stories, sometimes poems and other musings, which are always the perfect blend of creepy and macabre imagination. Back issues from this talented couple are still available. Get them before they’re gone!
https://www.ghoulishbunnystudios.com/books
Horror Movie T-shirts from Fright Rags, $25-40
Halloween fans and horror lovers can represent 365 days a year with these officially licensed T-shirts and other cool merch from the most iconic horror films of all time.
“United” Halloween flag 3×5 ft by Rhode Montijo, $25
Halloween fans can now let their freak flags fly with this giant orange and black striped jack-o-lantern flag that will look great hanging on the wall. Don’t forget to pick up some adorable Halloween prints and buttons too!
https://rhodemontijo.myshopify.com/products/pre-order-for-large-united-halloween-flag
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley and Gris Grimly, $25
Citing the monster as a childhood favorite, acclaimed artist Gris Grimly jumped at the chance to illustrate the very first, full-length novel using the original 1818 text from Mary Shelley. This beautifully haunting book with stunning artwork is one-of-a-kind. Pick up a copy at his newly reopened online store.
http://grisgrimly.com/product/gris-grimlys-frankenstein/
Fine Art Prints from Killer Pumpkins, $30
Welcome to the colorful and spooky world of artist and designer John Pelico, whose digital artwork is simply mind-blowing. Whoever thought grim could be so cheerful. Only prints are available online but if you catch Killer Pumpkins at San Diego Comic Con or other So Cal conventions, sometimes they carry unique merchandise like coffee cups and lamps.
https://www.killerpumpkins.com/store
Infernal Creatures: A Collection of Rare Occult Artworks book from Century Guild, $35
Century Guild is a private museum and gallery, now based out of Southern California, that specializes in fine arts between 1880-1920s, particularly Arte Nouveau and Symbolism. This exquisite hardcover book features full-color, professionally photographed art and posters, printed on the highest resolution paper. Fascination with death and the occult is not a contemporary concept
https://centuryguild.net/collections/books/products/infernal-creatures-rare-occult-artworks
Horror Movie Burst a Box, $50
A unique twist on a centuries old child’s toy, which still features the chilling ‘Pop Goes the Weasel’ tune. Choose from Billy, Chucky, Freddy, Jason, Pennywise, or Sam.
https://www.mezcotoyz.com/category/burst-a-box-cg/categories/burst-a-box/1.html
Need more ideas? Check out last year’s blog posts for great stocking stuffers and Christmas gift ideas for Halloween fans.
Haiku of the Week
evergreen
alone for christmas
red berries
Happy Caturday! December
Artist: Jane Crowther
Company: Bug Art Cards
Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/bugartcards
Shop: http://bugart.co.uk/
Happy Krampusnacht!
According to German folklore, December 5th is the day that Krampus visits all the naughty children and whips them for misbehaving, gives them lumps of coal, or steals them away to eat them later. You gotta be really, really bad to have the latter happen. You might not agree with the methods of Santa’s evil twin, but you gotta admit, he gets results, even the adults act a little better during the holidays. Besides, Santa doesn’t really like being the bad guy, and all that coal weighs down the sleigh. Better to outsource a job like that.
These days, we hold annual balls and festivals in honor of Krampus, who’s now more a whimsical dark hero to us misfits.
Artist: Diana Levin
Company: Ghoulish Bunny Studios
Social Media: https://twitter.com/ghoulishbunny or https://www.instagram.com/ghoulishbunnystudios/
Shop: https://www.ghoulishbunnystudios.com/shop
Halloween Horror Haiku 
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