10 Sinister Facts About Krampus

This photo and top image by Alessio Zaccaria on Unsplash
This photo and top image by Alessio Zaccaria via Unsplash

It may be difficult for some to believe that the holidays have a dark side, but they do and Krampus is legendary proof. Tales of the demonic figure have existed for centuries, and his origins are shrouded in mystery. However, scholars have managed to uncover a few essential facts over time and truth be told, he’s more popular now than ever. Brace yourself because I’m about to divulge a few ghastly details about this demon of Christmas.    

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Macabre Holiday Gift Guide 2022

Photo credit: Robin Mikalsen
Photo credit: Robin Mikalsen

What’s on everyone’s wish list to Sandy Claws this year? There are many new things that debut annually, so I’m mainly highlighting goodies that unleashed in 2022. Plus, what I mention might ignite inspiration and more ideas for you. Whether you or the person you’re shopping for have been naughty or nice, I’ve included a little something to appease many tastes and desires. This gift list is full of treats to brighten up dark souls, and I hope it makes the holiday season, or shall I say the holi-ween season, a bit spookier.

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Countdown to Halloween 2022 Guide

Halloween guide (Photo by Pixabay via Pexels)
Halloween guide (Photo by Pixabay via Pexels)

We’re at that point in summerween when it’s time to start preparing for the upcoming spooky season! For those who don’t know, the much anticipated 100-days to Halloween countdown happens every year on July 23rd, and I’m releasing a special guide for 2022. I published one of these in 2021 and plan to make it an annual tradition so people can have a helpful resource to refer to as they plan their ghoulish festivities for the fall. I’ll be sharing where to shop, my costume predictions, event happenings and a few other tidbits.

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7 Spooky Halloween Wedding Ideas + Interview With Mr. & Mrs. ScaredieCat

Photo courtesy of Mrs. and Mr. ScaredieCat Vasquez

Imagine exchanging “I dos” in a haunted mansion or cutting into a black wedding cake decorated with skulls. For those who can’t get enough of the macabre, tying the knot in a spooky-filled way would be a dream (or shall I say nightmare) come true. Well, you’ll be delighted to know that it’s a vision you can make a reality. To commemorate this Valoween, I’m sharing ideas on how couples can throw a darkly enchanting and unholy ceremony, from décor to dress. Plus, I interview newlyweds Mr. and Mrs. ScaredieCat Vasquez about their Halloween nuptials.    

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100 Days ‘til Halloween Guide

Halloween decorating

The 100-day mark to Halloween is a magical occasion, and that milestone is happening on July 23rd. If you haven’t started planning for spooky season, now is the time. I decided to create a special blog post to help you prepare. View it as an All Hallows Eve guide if you will.

Here’s a snapshot of what I’ll be sharing:

  • Where to shop for Halloween goods
  • My costume predictions
  • Halloween events & more

Let the Halloween countdown festivities begin!

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9 Macabre Ways To Celebrate Valentine’s Day

Who’s looking for a macabre Valentine? If candy hearts, teddy bears and pink roses aren’t your thing, then have a look at this collection of alternative ways to celebrate the holiday. First, I want to say that this list is not just for romantic couples. The fun can be sucked out of Valentine’s Day because the emphasis is primarily on romantic love. While there is nothing wrong with that, I want to imbue the occasion with an entirely different aesthetic—one that’s darker, spookier, mystical and even a bit creepy in the most amusing ways possible.

To me, February 14th is a celebration of love in its multitude of forms and so the suggestions I make can be enjoyed with best friends, family, pets, significant others or by yourself. Here are 9 Macabre Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day!

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7 Gifts for the Spooky Soul in Your Life

7 Gifts for the Spooky Soul in Your Life

It’s that most wonderful time of year when the weather gets chilly, colorful lights adorn homes, Christmas trees go up, carols play on the radio and the smell of cinnamon practically permeates the air. And, let’s not forget the holidays are synonymous with gift-giving. Even a dark soul like myself enjoys the season. But, having said that, my macabre factor doesn’t tone down.

I like to compare myself to Jack Skellington from The Nightmare Before Christmas who had an appreciation for the holiday, but also injected it with his Halloween spirit. He proves that us morbid folk can strike a nice balance between Christmas cheer and ghostly boos. So, what do you buy someone who basks in the darker side of life? To get you started, following is a list of 7 Gifts for Spooky Souls that will work with any spending budget. Continue reading “7 Gifts for the Spooky Soul in Your Life”

Celebrating Halloween Around the World

Halloween Aound the World

Although these days Halloween has become known for costumes, trick-or-treating and haunts, the history behind the holiday stretches far back in time, nearly 2,000 years ago with the Celts who celebrated Samhain between October 31st and November 1st. Eventually with the spread of Christianity, the Celtic tradition would be absorbed into All Saints’ Day (November 1st) and All Souls’ Day (November 2nd).

Interestingly, the Christian Church celebrated All Souls’ Day in a similar way to Samhain, maintaining customs such as building bonfires and donning costumes. The origin of the term “Halloween” is the Middle English word meaning All Saints’ Day, “Alholowmesse.” In time, the night before November 1st would be referred to as All Hallows’ Eve and then as Halloween.

From America to Asia, celebrations of this holiday have spread worldwide with countries commemorating the day in diverse and fascinating ways. Following is just a small fraction of what Halloween festivities take place. Continue reading “Celebrating Halloween Around the World”