A Ghost Story for Christmas

In the 1970s, the BBC ran an annual series of televised ghost stories, either on Christmas Eve or Christmas night. The shows, which ran from 30-50 minutes, were huge hits, and inspired a revival series in 2005. While the idea of ghost stories during Christmas rather than Halloween may seem odd to Americans, but telling Yuletide ghost stories is in fact an old British tradition. That's the reason, for instance, that Charles Dickens had three ghosts visit Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol, which is essentially
a ghost story.

Fortunately for us in the U.S., most of these shows are available on Youtube. While they were made on cheap 16mm film, the stories hold up well. Below are embeds of the shows, plus several other ghost shows that aired during the holidays.

A Ghost Story for Christmas (BBC), 1971-1978

The BBC had already aired two earlier ghost stories at Christmas that proved quite popular, one in 1968 called Whistle and I'll Come to You and The Stone Tape in 1970, (see below for description and embed for both of these). Starting in 1971, they began airing one story a year under the tile A Ghost Story for Christmas. Five of these were based on the stories of MR James, a medieval scholar at Cambridge in the early 20th Century who is considered by many to be the premiere ghost writer in Britain. One was based on a short story by Charles Dickens, and the final two were original (and less successful) screenplays.

M.R. James

1. Stalls of Barchester (aired: 24 December 1971 at 11pm)
Based on the 1911 MR James story from More Ghost Stories called "The Stalls of Barchester Cathedral" about the discovery of a 50-year old diary that reveals a possible murder and curse.

2. A Warning to the Curious (aired 24 December 1972 at 11pm)
 Adapted from MR James' 1925 story about an archaeologist who while on vacation discovers an Anglia king's crown, and is then stalked by crown owner's ghost.

3. Lost Hearts (aired 25 December 1973 at 11:35pm)
From MR James' 1905 story collection, Ghost Stories of an Antiquary, this tale is about an orphan who stays with an old man obsessed with immortality.

4. Treasure of Abbot Thomas (aired 23 December 1974 at 11:35pm)
 Based on another of MR James 1905 stories.

5. Ash Tree (aired on 23 December 1975 at 11:35pm)
About a new owner of an estate who slowly learns that the previous owner condemned and hung a woman as a witch. And she may haunting the place. Yet another of MR James' 1905 stories.

6. The Signalman (aired on 22 December 1976)
 The first non-MR James adaptation. This one was instead on a popular Charles Dickens' story from 1865 and is probably the best received and well-known of the series. A rr signal man who sees a nightly ghostly image.

7. Stigma (aired on 29 December 1977)
This was the first in the series to be set in the modern era, and the first original story (by Clive Exton). This involves a rural nuclear family who suffer a curse once a stone from an ancient stone circle is moved from their yard.

8. Ice House (aired 25 December 1978)
Another original teleplay (by John Bowen), this was the weakest of the original run and led to its cancellation.The story concerns a strange flower in an old ice house that may exert a strange control on its surroundings.

Revival series of A Ghost Story for Christmas (2005-present)

While it is not shown every year, the BBC has nonetheless revived its holiday ghost story tradition in 2005. Unlike the earlier series, all of these were MR James adaptations. The most recent one was last year's Tractate Middoth, adapted from MR James story by Mark Gattis, a regular writer for both Doctor Who and Sherlock (on which he stars as Mycroft Holmes).

1. View from a Hill  (aired 23 December 2005)

 

2. Number 13 (aired 22 December 2006)

 

3. Whistle and I'll Come to You (aired 24 December 2010)

Remake of the original 1968 adaptation, starring John Hurt.

 

4. Tractate Middoth (aired 25 December 2013)

Other Televised Christmas Ghost Stories

While the 1971-1978 run of Ghost Stories for Christmas were the most famous, the BBC and ITV ran many other holiday ghost shows, many of which people erroneously believe to be part of the original series. The first two listed below are what inspired the original series.

Whistle and I'll Come to You (aired 1968)

Directed by famed play/film director Jonathan Miller, this is the one that kicked off the trend. Filmed a spart of the anthology series, Omnibus. A professor who finds a whistle by the shore is then troubled by terrible visions.

The Stone Tape (aired 25 December 1970)

Written by Nigel Kneale (whose earlier character Quatermass is a inspiration for Doctor Who) this concerns scientists discovering "memories" (ghosts?) recorded in stone walls. For real-life ghost hunters, this is now known as the Stone Tape Theory. Unfortunately, the entire episode is not currently available on Youtube. Below is a clip and a link to the entire episode:  http://www.veoh.com/watch/v19922854eqX3X8Ar

Casting the Runes (Aired April 1979)

Although not shown on Christmas, it was an MR James adaptation made by the same team as the original series, so is usually included with the others. The story is about a demonoloist who curses aTV crew after they air a damaging story about him. Below is a trailer for the show.

British Christmas Traditions

Many of the Christmas holiday traditions in Britain are similar to ours (stockings, decorations, carols, Christmas trees, etc.) but there are also some uniquely British ones. Scotland becomes even more complicated since Christmas was almost entirely eliminated after the Protestant Reformation and did not completely resurface until the 20th Century (Hogmanay was instead celebrated -- more on that in another post.) The following are some typical British Holiday traditions.

Father Christmas

Since the late 1800s, Father Christmas has become almost identical to our Santa Claus. But because of the Catholic origins of Christmas (the Mass of Christ) and Santa Claus (Saint Nicholas, a Turkish priest), Britain turned away from some of the Christmas traditions after the Protestant Reformation. St. Nick became Father Christmas, a pre-Christian figure (sometimes called Old Man Winter) who wore green robes and had red hair. The Ghost of Christmas Present in Charles Dicken's A Christmas Carol (see above image) is the supposed to be Father Christmas. Incidentally Dicken's novel popularized the then radical idea of people getting off from work on Christmas.

The Queen's Christmas Message

Since 1932 with King George V, the reigning British monarch makes an holiday speech to the Commonwealth nations. It was started by the head of the BBC as a way to launch its World Service. Today, the message is given by Queen Elizabeth II. Originally presented on the radio, but since 1957 (see image below), it has been televised, and now is also webcasted. While often derided by the British as quaint and outdated, it is still considered a tradition to gather with one's family to watch it.

The queen's first message in 1957

Here is last year's Christmas message:

Christmas crackers

Begun by Thomas Smith in 1846, after seeing bon-bons in Paris, they originally were candies wrapped in colorful paper. In 1850, a poem/motto was added. In 1860, "bangers" were added so that it 'popped' when opened. (Hence the name "crack"-ers). In the early 1900s, paper hats (crowns) were added, and it is now common for holiday revelers to wear the crown around the Christmas dinner table (which may be a throwback to 12th Night celebrations, see below). By the 1930s jokes and games were added. I can tell you from personal experience that the British crackers have a bit more "bang" than those you get here.

Students wearing crowns from Christmas crackers

Mince meat pies

Made from fruit instead of meat (although shredded meat was used in the 1500s), these are 2" to 3" pastry pies. Ingredients include raisins, spices, apples, honey, apricots, candied citrus peel, and cherries. It is often left out for Father Christmas on Christmas Eve.

Christmas TV shows

The BBC and many other TV channels in Britain often present special episodes of their hit shows, or premiere original films on Christmas. It is one of the biggest days of the year to watch TV. Hit show Doctor WHo hs had a Christmas show for the past 6 years. Below are trailers for this year's BBC Christmas shows, and for Doctor Who Christmas episode.

Yule log

Traditionally, a yule loge was a large log that was kept burning for the 12 days of Christmas. Sometimes wine was poured on it before being lit. The name comes from the Germanic winter holiday of Yule-tide, the start of their year. It has long since been a part of Christmas throughout Northern Europe. Today, the Yule log is usually represented as a chocolate cake rolled up into a "log".

Christmas Panto

A humorous play presented during the holidays (traditionally starting on Boxing Day, 26 December). Involving audience participation and cross dressing for humorous effects (often starring famous --or at least, once-famous -- actors, singers and other celebrities), it is usually a fairy tale (Cinderella, Snow White, Aladdin). While aimed at families, the humor at times can be quite campy with lots of double entendres. It evolved out of the earlier Mummer's plays (the word refers to the fact they were once silent plays) involving masks and lots of humor. These plays go back over a thousand years. The mummer's plays were usually the tale of St. George defeating the dragon. (The English flag is the St. George cross).  These purposely silly plays were done during the 12 Days of Christmas. Today in London, a traditional mummer play is still presented.

Below is a video of the 2010 Mummer play on the River Thames in front of the Shakespeare's Globe theatre on the South Bank.

Here is Scottish actor John Barrowman talking about doing a panto and his Christmas traditions

And here is favorite Scottish comedian Karen Dunbar talking about doing panto in Glasgow

Twelfth Night

Celebrated on the night before the 12th Day of Christmas, which is Epiphany (i.e., 6 January). (Why night BEFORE -- back in the Middle Ages, the day ended when the sun went down. The next day did not start at midnight, like now, but rather at sundown. Hence, why we have so many "eve" celebrations).  This was when Jesus was visited by the wise men with their Gift of the Magi. As it is 12 days from 25 December, hence the Twelve Days of Christmas.  In Britain, this is when all Christmas decorations come down. It was also a feast day and time of celebration and entertainment. And that is what William Shakespeare's eponymous play was about -- a Twelfth Night entertainment. Part of the feast is spiced ale, ginger snaps, and a cake. If one gets the bean hidden in the cake, then one is king for the day (hence the crowns in the Christmas crackers above).

Candlemas

While Twelfth Night is now considered the end of the holiday season, traditionally it used to be 2 February with Candlemas (the mass of candles), when all of a church's candles were blessed. Candles were once not just for light, but also as a way to ward off evil spirits; Jesus was seen as a spiritual candle in the dark. Officially this was to celebrate the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple. Some churches and communities still celebrate it. Also, some argue it is a Christianization of the Celtic holiday of Imbolc (St. Brigid's Day).

Wassail and Wassailing

Wassail is a spiced ale with apples and honey from the 1400s. It was presented in a communal bowl (a "loving cup"). One passed it around or went from house to house, often while singing (origins of the modern caroling tradition). Comes from the Old English word "waes hael", which meant "be well." Ingredients can include eggs, cream, ale, sugar, spices, crab apples, and bits of bread on top. It is an essential feature of 12th Night celebrations, although it is enjoyed throughout the holiday time.

Here is a performance of a wassailing song:

 Boxing Day

Sometimes called The Second Day of Christmas, this is a secular holiday (although it is also St. Stephen's Day in Ireland) during which people traditionally gave money and gifts to the needy. It is a bank holiday (the British term for a public holiday, what we might call a Federal holiday like President's Day). In recent times, it is also the major shopping day.

Christmas pudding

A tradition going back to the 1400s, a dessert (which the British call pudding) served on Christmas. Usually a plum pudding (thanks to King George 1, the "Plum King" who preferred it). Traditionally has 13 ingredients. Made on "stir up" Sunday, the last church service before Advent. The term "stir up" comes from the 1549 Prayer Book: "Stir up, we beseech thee O Lord..."

Posset

A drink for Christmas eve that includes hot milk, ale, spices, lemon, sugar and oatcake or bread.

Cultural Matters: Halloween in Scotland

Samhain (samhuinn) -- pronounced Sow-an -- is a ancient Gaelic ceremony that originated in the British isles. Samhain is the Gaelic word  for the month of November -- it meant "gloom", as in a gloomy weather -- It was also the name of a festival held on 1 November. Much like May Day and Beltane both of which marked the start of summer, it marked the start of winter (Gales recognized only two seasons, summer & winter). Usually involving the lighting of bonfires to purify the community and  to signal the change in seasons, cattle and humans both were walked between the fires to purify them. In Scotland, junipers were thrown upon  the bonfires to for further purification. The result of the ceremony was hopefully survival through the winter. It provided the basis for the Christian holiday(s) of All Souls Day & All Hallows Day, which evolved into our modern Halloween.

Both Samhain and Beltane were revived in 1988 in Edinburgh and are now held each 30 April (Beltane Eve) on Calton Hill and 31 October on the Royal Mile in front of St. Giles Cathedral by the Beltane Fire Society. Each attract more than 15,000 people a year. Although some Neo-Pagans and Wiccans celebrate it too, the modern Edinburgh ceremony is more performance art than religious revival. It also has little resemblance to the original ceremonies. Here is the Beltane Fire Society celebrating their interpretation of Samhain in Edinburgh in 2007.

Cultural Matters: Scottish & British Food

One of the joys of traveling is discovering new foods and treats. In Britain -- and especially Scotland -- there are plenty of opportunities. From snacks to meals to tea to desserts, we will discover all types of culinary delights. Below are few of the classic foods to expect while traveling in Great Britain.

Fish and Chips

The classic British meal. Usually made from cod (though sometimes other white-fleshed fish such as haddock or whiting), it is traditionally served wrapped in paper (newsprint in the past) with fries (chips in Britain). Although served in many pubs and restaurants, the best come from the traditional "chip shop", which are becoming increasingly rare to find.

Bangers and mash

My personal favorite, this dish is a pub staple. (The above was my lunch at the Queen's Head Pub back in June 2010 in Downe, England). Basically it is mashed potatoes, Cumberland sausages, and gravy.

Steak and Ale Pie

What to Expect

We fly out of Atlanta en route to Scotland on 16 May 2015. We'll arrive at the Frankfurt Airport in Germany, and then take a shorter flight into Edinburgh International Airport. We will then make our way to the  Smart City Hostel in Edinburgh's Old Town area. Each twin room has its own showers, sinks, and toilets. The hostel also has kitchen facilities, additional showers/toilets, wifi, public computers, coffee bar and restaurant. Once we settle in, students will have a brief on-site orientation and neighborhood tour, including historic Calton Hill. 

Over the next week, we will visit the sites of Edinburgh, which may include the National Library of Scotland, Edinburgh Castle, Mary King’s Close, Holyrood Palace, John Knox House, the University of Edinburgh, Surgeon’s Hall Museum, the Scottish Storytelling Center, the Walter Scott Memorial, and the National Scotland Museum.

 

During our second week, we will visit the sites of Glasgow and the surrounding area. In Glasgow, these will include the Glasgow Cathedral, the Necropolis, the Riverside Museum, the Kelvingrove Museum, the University of Glasgow, the Lighthouse, the Willow Tea Rooms,  the Glasgow Museum of Modern Art, the and the People's Palace.

We will intersperse those site visits with day trips in the surrounding area. First up will be Stirling and its historic castle – a site made famous by William Wallace and Robert the Bruce in their struggles for Scottish independence against England. This struggle was made known to most Americans through the popular film, Braveheart. The next trip will be to Rosslyn Chapel, just south of Edinburgh. Finally students will have an opportunity (for an extra fee) to take a full-day tour through the Scottish Highlands. Sites will include Glencoe (site of an infamous 17^th Century massacre), Loch Lomond, Ben Nevis, and Oban.

On 29 May, we will travel to Edinburgh International Airport . One the return flight, we will spend one night in Frankfurt, Germany, where student will have the opportunity to spend the evening. The following day, we will return to Atlanta.