EPISODE · Dec 16, 2025 · 51 MIN
21. THE TERRIFYING TALES OF: Dark Christmas — Old World Origins & Winter Folklore
from Darkly Speaking · host Darkly Speaking
Christmas has another history... Before Santa, the season was shaped by pagan winter traditions and folklore filled with punishment and fear. From belly-slitting witches said to roam during the winter solstice to a demonic beast who dragged sinners to hell, the season was once ruled by things far less holy. So get cozy and settle in because because we're going back.. To the Darker version of Christmas past. Hosted by 🎙️: Alex Kern Spooky Winter Book Recs: The Overnight Guest by Heather Gudenkauf Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney The Family Game by Catherine Steadman Near The Bone by Christina Henry Hairpin Bridge by Taylor Adams Secret Santa by Andrew Shaffer Dead of Winter by Darcy Coates ⸻ 🖤 ABOUT DARKLY SPEAKING 🖤 Welcome to Darkly Speaking — where true crime, the paranormal and the crazy strange and unexplained converge. Every Monday, host Alex Kern unpacks stories that challenge our understanding of what’s real — from unsolved disappearances and psychological unravellings to encounters with the unexplained. Think: true crime, the paranormal, and everything in between. If you’re drawn to the strange, the hidden, or the stories that won’t sit quietly — you’re in the right place. Expect immersive storytelling, a dose of dark curiosity, and the occasional rabbit hole you didn’t plan to fall into. Because in the darkest corners of our reality… truth gets weird. ⸻ 🎧 LISTEN ON: Available wherever you get your podcasts! YouTube Spotify Apple Podcasts ⸻ 📲 CONNECT WITH US: YouTube Instagram TikTok Website (Sources, Show Notes & More!) Email us your stories! → [email protected] ⸻ ⚠️ DISCLAIMER This podcast explores real cases and sensitive subject matter. Listener discretion is advised. All research is grounded in publicly available sources and cited to the best of our ability. Opinions are those of the host unless otherwise stated. Copyright Disclaimer: Some audio/visual materials used may be protected under copyright law and are included under “fair use” for commentary, criticism, and educational purposes.
What this episode covers
Christmas has another history... Before Santa, the season was shaped by pagan winter traditions and folklore filled with punishment and fear. From belly-slitting witches said to roam during the winter solstice to a demonic beast who dragged sinners to hell, the season was once ruled by things far less holy. So get cozy and settle in because because we're going back.. To the Darker version of Christmas past. Hosted by 🎙️: Alex Kern Spooky Winter Book Recs: The Overnight Guest by Heather Gudenkauf Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney The Family Game by Catherine Steadman Near The Bone by Christina Henry Hairpin Bridge by Taylor Adams Secret Santa by Andrew Shaffer Dead of Winter by Darcy Coates ⸻ 🖤 ABOUT DARKLY SPEAKING 🖤 Welcome to Darkly Speaking — where true crime, the paranormal and the crazy strange and unexplained converge. Every Monday, host Alex Kern unpacks stories that challenge our understanding of what’s real — from unsolved disappearances and psychological unravellings to encounters with the unexplained. Think: true crime, the paranormal, and everything in between. If you’re drawn to the strange, the hidden, or the stories that won’t sit quietly — you’re in the right place. Expect immersive storytelling, a dose of dark curiosity, and the occasional rabbit hole you didn’t plan to fall into. Because in the darkest corners of our reality… truth gets weird. ⸻ 🎧 LISTEN ON: Available wherever you get your podcasts! YouTube Spotify Apple Podcasts ⸻ 📲 CONNECT WITH US: YouTube Instagram TikTok Website (Sources, Show Notes & More!) Email us your stories! → [email protected] ⸻ ⚠️ DISCLAIMER This podcast explores real cases and sensitive subject matter. Listener discretion is advised. All research is grounded in publicly available sources and cited to the best of our ability. Opinions are those of the host unless otherwise stated. Copyright Disclaimer: Some audio/visual materials used may be protected under copyright law and are included under “fair use” for commentary, criticism, and educational purposes.
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21. THE TERRIFYING TALES OF: Dark Christmas — Old World Origins & Winter Folklore
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