Hard as it may be to believe, this is the Family Library’s final monthly column before Christmas.

However, as the date at the top of the page still says November, we are reluctant to go too festive, too early.

What to do? Well, we thought we might compromise, with a Christmas theme that isn’t always sweetness and light.

The Christmas ghost story is an old tradition that has made something of a revival in recent years, especially that of sharing a spooky tale on Christmas Eve.

There’s something particularly authentic about gathering around a roaring log fire. The long, dark nights and the need to huddle up close to the fire are what helps to create a ghostly setting, with the shadows caused by flickering flames helping to create the perfect atmosphere.

We are going to take it as read that you are familiar with A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens. Even if you haven’t read it, you will almost certainly know the story. It just remains for us to say that, if you haven’t actually read it, then put it at the top of your list for the coming season.

A massively successful story - that has been recreated for the stage, big screen and radio - is The Woman in Black, by Susan Hill.

It starts off by acknowledging the tradition of telling stories on Christmas Eve, although there is one reluctant participant. When the tale is finally told, however, it’s not hard to see why. Book-keeping has never been so hazardous. It is a gripping story and definitely worth a read.

The Turn of the Screw, by Henry James, similarly starts with the tales of horror by the fireside.

M. R. James was one of the best-known tellers of ghost stories of his generation. The Cambridge professor used to write the spooky tales for Christmas Eve gatherings and his tales continue to endure.

The Tractate Middoth was adapted for television as recently as 2013. There are many others to choose from - feel free to ask at the Family Library or the Mobile Library for more information.

So, have a spooky Christmas, but also have a very enjoyable one!

The Family Library is next to the children’s playground in Westmoreland Road, Douglas. It operates as a charity and also runs the Mobile Family Library and a Schools Service. To keep up to date on events and to find out more about the services available, check out the Family Library page on Facebook or visit www.familylibrary.im or call the library on 640650.

by Paul Speller

Twitter:@iomnewspapers