Episode 7: Creepy Christmas Monsters & Ghost Stories

Scaring the crap out of your guests was once an integral part of Christmas Eve festivities in Victorian England. What’s Christmas without murder, sadistic torture by a horned demon, or being cooked and eaten by an Icelandic ogress? Well, today we’ll list our top 10 favorite Christmas monsters from around the world and discuss a few classic Victorian ghost stories. If this all sounds new to you, stay tuned. It gets even more bizarre.

Fantastically Terrible Character or Creature

At the end of every episode, we like to highlight a Fantastically Terrible Character or Creature.

Today we look at the Jólakötturinn or the The Yule Cat of Iceland. This ginormous and hungry killer grimalkin hangs out in the home of our favorite Icelandic ogress, Grýla. Unlike the other Christmas monsters we mentioned, the Yule Cat doesn’t give a damn about your moral code. It hunts for children and adults alike, naughty or nice. It’s kind of refreshing. The colossal predator sees everyone exactly the same — as a tasty meal.

So, what can you do to prevent being torn apart and eaten by this feline fiend? Perhaps a feat of strength or a game of wits? No, just make sure you get a new piece of clothing for Christmas. Who knew that ugly Christmas sweater you get every year would finally come in handy.