Hello, Readers!
I’m thrilled to welcome you to one of my favorite times of the year—the season of glowing lights, shared traditions, and stories that linger long after the snow melts. At Mind on Fire Books, I’ve been reflecting on how winter folklore and poetry shape the way we see this season—not as something dark and dreadful, but as deeply human, full of mystery and meaning.
This month, I’m diving into the rhetorical power of classic holiday poetry, exploring the fascinating legends behind festive creatures, and even asking what happens when that cheerful little elf on the shelf takes its job a bit too seriously.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. Let’s celebrate the season with curiosity, creativity, and just a hint of wonder.
Cover Photo by Zoya Konstantinova on Unsplash
Unpacking Christmas Poetry
The holiday season is beautiful, but beneath the cheer lies a deeper story. We’ve published two thought-provoking articles that peel back the layers of holiday tradition:
👉 Top 4 Copyright-Free Literary Poems About Christmas Trees and Feelings
Forget Krampus: Meet 8 Legendary Monsters of Christmas
Krampus may be the poster child for Christmas horror, but he’s not alone. The customs of the holiday season often incorporate earlier pagan traditions. From Frau Perchta (who might replace your organs with garbage if you’re bad) to the Icelandic Yule Cat (who might eat you if you don’t get new clothes), we’ve gathered the most terrifying entities across global folklore.
👉 8 Legendary Monsters of Christmas
Be good—or be eaten!
Community Corner: Naughty, Not Nice
We love a tradition, but we prefer ours to be inappropriate. Back by popular demand, we’re asking for your vote in the only holiday contest that matters:
👉 Inappropriate Elf on the Shelf Photos: Vote for the Naughtiest!
Reader Spotlight & Book Review
This month, we’re featuring a candid (and highly flattering) review of Folklore and Flesh from a reader and military veteran, Scott Schluter:
“Willy Martinez takes a break from eating crayons and licking windows to deliver us this masterpiece. Folklore and Flesh is a fantastic collection of stories with fresh, new ideas while incorporating elements of ancient lore we’ve all heard and love. It’s a must-read for anyone who likes supernatural topics. Well done [sic].”
— Scott Schluter, Mind on Fire Subscriber
Stay Connected
Want to keep the ritual going? Follow us for flash drops, behind-the-scenes peeks, and dark literary sparks:
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HUNGRY FOR MORE?
If you enjoyed this, you need to read “Digital Fangs.” It’s a free, standalone story of folk body horror that digs even deeper. Get the story sent to your inbox instantly when you join the Mind on Fire list.
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