Halloween isn't the only time for ghosts and ghost stories. In Victorian Britain, spooky winter's tales were part of the Christmas season, often told after dinner, over port or coffee.

The quote by Michael Dirda sheds light on the historical connection between ghost stories and the Christmas season, particularly in Victorian Britain. Dirda points out that Halloween is often associated with spooky tales, but in the past, the tradition of telling ghost stories was not confined to that time of year. In Victorian Britain, it was common for ghost stories to be shared during the Christmas season, often as part of post-dinner gatherings where people would indulge in port or coffee. This tradition reflects how the Christmas season was once intertwined with themes of mystery and the supernatural, adding an eerie layer to the holiday.

The mention of spooky winter tales reveals the cultural practice of gathering around to tell eerie stories as part of the holiday atmosphere. These stories served as entertainment during the long, dark winter nights and offered a different kind of holiday cheer—one that combined the warmth of family and the thrill of the unknown. Unlike today, where Christmas is largely seen as a time for joy and light-heartedness, the Victorian period embraced a more multifaceted approach to the holiday, where even fear had its place in creating a memorable celebration.

The origin of this quote comes from Dirda’s exploration of literature and cultural history, particularly in the context of holiday traditions. As a critic and writer, Dirda frequently delves into the evolution of traditions and literary forms, and here he highlights how ghost stories were an integral part of the Christmas tradition in a way that has largely faded from modern celebrations. The influence of this tradition can still be seen in works like Charles Dickens’ "A Christmas Carol", which incorporates ghosts and the supernatural into its Christmas narrative.

Ultimately, Dirda’s quote serves as a reminder of how traditions evolve and how certain aspects of holiday celebrations can be lost or forgotten over time. The idea of sharing ghost stories during Christmas invokes a sense of nostalgia and mystery, reflecting the complex ways people used to mark the season. It also reminds us that holidays are not only about joy and festivity but can also be rich with tradition, imagination, and even a touch of spooky thrill.