What is a Sugar Plum?

 We all know the story of "A Visit from St. Nicholas", right? No? Oh! You might know it by a different name, "'Twas the Night Before Christmas". If you don't read the book, you know the tale in some form, whether from it being read in a movie/t.v. show or from a variation of it from someone/somewhere, you know the story. Digimon Season 2 did a variation on it A Very Digi Christmas and Jeff Dunham did a reading of the story with many interruptions and interpretations by Peanut.

But there is a line where the children in the story are "were nestled all snug in their beds/ While visions of sugar plums dance in their heads." I have always wondered what a sugar plum was, but my parents didn't know what it was. They said what everyone thinks, that it is a sugar coated plum... yuck! Well, guess what? They were wrong!

Krampus

In Austria and Hungary, there is a legend that keeps kids good all year long. In the spirit of Christmas, I thought I would give you one more reason to be good this year. In this legend, Santa Claus gives presents to good boys and girls on Christmas Eve, while his demonic counterpart deals out the punishment. His name is Krampus.

He gets his name from the old German word for "claw." In Austria, St. Nicholas is helped by this demon on Christmas Eve. They are even travel buddies. Not only is his name an inspiration for year long nightmares for children, but he looks it as well. He has a red face with goat horns atop his head and shaggy black fur all over. He carries chains and rings a large cowbell. He has a long crimson tongue, a tail, and he totes around a big stick and huge black bag.

Username Warning

One day, a boy was surfing the internet and found a site that let you read scary stories. He wanted to leave a comment, so he registered with the username, Devil666. Instantly, his inbox was flooded with private messages saying things like "We love you, Satan!" and "All hail the dark Lord!" It freaked him out so much that he turned off his computer and unplugged his internet.

The next day, a group of Satanists stormed his house and bowed before the boy, worshipping him. Later, they killed his parents and took over the house. They drank, smoked, and ate everything in the house. That night, they put on black robes and recited prayers backwards. The boy grew horns, pointy ears, and a barbed tail. He also began to smell of sulfer.

Terror in Paris

We all know that on Friday, October 13, 2015, France was attacked by the terrorist group known as ISIS. Above is a picture of the scene. One hundred eighty people were killed in this horrific incident.

All around the world, people and nations are rallying behind France in a show of solidarity. Land marks that constantly have lights on them appear in the colors of the French flag. The Eiffel Tower lights were shut off in memorial. The last time such an event happened was on September 11, 2001.

Easy A

There is a rumor among college students. It is how to get a 4.0 GPA, which seems to be getting harder and harder every year.

So far, any instance of this actually happening hasn't been found, but one never really knows. It does depend on the school and the teacher.

Aren't You Glad You Didn't Turn On The Light?

Two best friends, who had grown up together, went to the same college and became roommates. They had fun and were enjoying their school life.

One day, the girls decided to stay up and do some extra studying for the mid-term exams that were scheduled the next day. However, one of them got lazy and went to bed early while the other continued to study.

Black-Eyed Children

Black-Eyed Children (BEK) are a group of young people, most often young kids, that have solid black eyes. This means that no other color can be seen in their eyes, not even the whites. Some are said to have blue or blue tinted skin like a corpse. Many reports have noted a sense of uneasy from eyewitnesses, as if something was wrong with the child or something bad would happen to the eyewitness themselves.

They are usually met near abandoned or deserted areas, though they can appear at your doorstep. Sometimes it is just one child, other times it is two. They are described as looking confident, yet shy. They avoid your gaze and look down. This is to hide their eyes. They also speak with an eloquence far beyond their apparent age.

Hairy Arms

A young woman was shopping on Halloween for some candy to hand out to the kids in her neighborhood. She had just finished shopping and was carrying her things to her car.

Just as she finished putting her bags in the trunk, an old woman carrying a bag walked up to her and said, "Excuse me, but I missed my bus. I have been walking all day and my feet hurt. Would you mind giving me a ride, deary?"

Justin Bieber Riddle

There was a young girl who had a terminal disease and spent most of her time in the hospital or her bed due to her condition. Because of this. She didn't have any friends. And no one to play with. Over time, her condition worsened and her stays in the hospital were longer.

Eventually, the doctors had to give the mother the bad news. They took her aside and told her that the girl had a short time to live. One day, hearing the young girl's story, a man that worked for a charity organization went to see the mother to see if he could help.

Winchester Mansion

Sarah Winchester was married to William Wirt Winchester, owner of Winchester Repeating Arms Company. They had one child, a daughter named Annie Pardee Winchester. This child had a rare disease, called Marasmus, that didn't allow nutrients to be absorbed into the body. Sarah and William could only sit by and watch as their daughter starved to death. Not long after the infant died, William died from tuberculosis.

Shortly after that, Sarah moved to San Jose, California. As the window, she had inherited more than $20.5 million, and almost half of the rifle company. She earned $1,000 ($23,000 in today's money) a day from the company. There, she began building the Queen Victoria Style Mansion. She began building the house because a Boston medium supposedly channeled her late husband and said she should travel west and build a house for herself and the ghosts killed by the Winchester guns.

Under the Bed

A family was on vacation and checked into a cheep hotel. They got two rooms, one for the parents and one for the brother and sister. When the children entered the room, they noticed a horrible smell and told their father.

The dad called management and told them the room smelled and they wanted a new one. Management said that all he could do was send a maid to come clean the room because they were all booked up for a convention that was in town. The father consented and took his family out.

Crazy Bus

There was a bus driver that worked for the count hospital. He was on his way to deliver twenty patients to the nearby mental hospital. Along the way, he got thirsty. He stopped at a bar for a few drinks.

When he returned, he found the bus was empty. Somehow, the mental patients had escaped and were now roaming free. He was worried he might lose his job. Then, he got a brilliant idea.

Devil at the Dance

A girl in Texas was excited about the high school dance. She had a new dress for the occasion and she was sure that she would be beautiful. She thought it would be the highlight of her young life.

Her mother came home, pale and shaking, and said, "You are not going to the dance!"

Spooky Specials

Spooky Special is a tag that simply means that it is for fun. In a way, it is a kind of gift from me to you so that you have a break from the scary stuff and see the lighter side of things. So please, don't think of it as scary surprises, just something to enjoy.

Turkey Comics

Since I did a ghost theme for Halloween, I will now do turkey comics for Thanksgiving. Enjoy.

Turkey Myths

It is  November, which means golden turkeys, over eating, and desserts to die for. A time to go over the hill and through the wood to grandma's house. A day to put your diet aside and wear stretchy pantsfor more room in your stomach. The month women call "No Shave November" then regret that decision in December.

But the turkey! Soft, warm, juicey. Then the food coma and leftovers. What do we really know about this bird? And is it true? Here are some common myths that have been debunked.

Kodoku

A kodoku (蠱毒) means "worm toxin" in Japanese. It is similar to Chinese Gu Magic. Gu Magic uses living creature. You place poisonous bugs, such as spiders, scorpions, or centipedes, into a jar. Several months later, you dig them up and perform a death curse with the one survivor, who has devoured the others concentrated the poisons of the others into its body. It can be used with any animal is a confined space, even dogs, cats, etc.

A kodoku works in the same way, even with spirits as seen in the Ghost Hunt anime. With insects, it's easier to control and hide. The bug is supposed to bring wealth to the household, but must be feed a human life in return. If not, the bug will devour the homeowner.

Lotus Pond

There was this couple who planned on running away together. Their current situation prevented their love from growing. They agreed to meet at the lotus pond at 10 PM that night so they could leave and live happily together.

The woman arrived on time and waited for a couple hours. Thinking her lover had forgotten or decided to not be with her anymore, she plunged herself into the lake, killing herself by drowning. She died at midnight.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving. A day of good food, family, and... misconception?

Believe it or not, the Thanksgiving story we all learned is as fake as George Washington's wooden teeth. Was turkey actually served? Did the Native American people really come with good intentions? And was it actually called "Thanksgiving"?

Crescent Hotel, Eureka Springs, AR

This hotel is reportedly one of the most haunted in America. The tortured past of this building is filled with murder, false hope, and torture.

Norman Baker acquired the hotel during the Great Depression. He was a radio host that clamed that he had found a secret to curing a fatel desease... Cancer. He said that those who wanted to get this miracle cure needed to go he hotel, which he dubbed the Castle in the sky.

Slit-Mouth Woman

The Slit-Mouth Woman, or Kuchisake-onna, wanders the streets of Japan at night, wearing a surgical mask and a trenchcoat, and hunting for children. As soon as the sun goes down, those alone on deserted streets become her pray.

As you walk home, a strange noise will come from the shadows. You will see a beautiful woman in a trenchcoat and surgical mask. In Japan, surgical masks are typically worn during flu season and if one has a mild cold, so this sight isn't out of the ordinary.

Lemp Mansion, St. Louis, MO

This hanging is close to home for this blogger. A mere 182.5 miles from my hometown resides the Lemp Mansion and Brewery. It is considered one of the most haunted places in America.

This mansion is now a restaurant, but it is home to some terrifying secrets. The original owners, the Lemps of Lemp Brewery, had three generations commit suicide, three people in the house and one outside. The brewery is also haunted as it is connected to the house via a series of tunnels.

Salem Witch Trials

The term Witch comes from of the Old English word, "wicce", which means " wise woman" or "wise man". It was once believed that those with special powers could help a village or country thrive with good help and great incite, though simply passing on the lessons of Old was more than enough. Merlin would have fallen under this category. But the church was loosing members, and therefore, power and money, to those who had such powers and wisdom. The church labeled them as evil, saying that no person outside of the church could hold such knowledge, meaning that they had to have made a contract with the devil. In England and her colonies, hanging was preferred, while France would burn the witches.

The trials of Salem Village began in 1692, though they had happened for centuries before in Eourope. The daughter and niece of Rev. Samuel Parris became ill. When they didn't get better, Dr. William Giggs was called to the house. He said that they had been bewitched, thus causing a panic in the small town.

Devil's Bridge, Aberystwyth, North Wales

Not the real bridge

An old woman decided to make a contract with the Devil himself ond day in early winter. Upset that her cattle were stranded across the gorge, the Devil came to her and offered his help.

The Devil said, "Return here the next morning and bridge will be built. However, I then get to claim the life and soul of the first living thing to cross it."

Casa Encantada

Casa Encantada (translation: enchanted house) was built in the 19th century. It was bought and constructed by the Heredia family of Malaga, one of the wealthiest families of Andalucia, Spain, at that time.

There are 365 windows in the mansion, on for eace ay of the year. It was constructed as part of a plan to make the farm into a grand agricultural enterprise.

Rusalka

According to most legends, the Rusalka is a fish woman that lives in the bottom of rivers. She is similar to mermaids or sirens, lururing handsome men down to the bottom of the river with songs and seductive dancing.

Most people believe that this dark mermaid is a kind of "unclean force". Because of it being a female apparition, it is believed she either committed suicide because she was jilted by her lover, or that she wasn't married when she became pregnant.

Chiajna Monastery

Chiajna Monastery is just outside of the capital of Romania, Bucharest. Construction began sometime between 1774 and 1782, when Alexander Ypsilanti reighed. It wasn't finished until Phanariote Nicholas Mavrogenes filled in 1786 to 1790. It is 43 m (141 ft) long and 18 m (53 ft) long, and the walls are 1-2 m (3-6.5 ft), making it quite a large building for the times.

The church was  meant to be a place of importance for the local religion. However, it was never meant to be as it never got properly blessed. The Monastery was abandoned early in its construction.

El Carro de las Brujas

In Mexico, there is a mysterious red car that travels between Mexico City and Cuernavaca. Normally, it is only men walking alone at night who see it. They call it "El Carro de las Brujas" or "The Carriage of the Witches".

Normally,there are only 2-3 women inside, but there can be upwards to 5 sitting in the luxury vehicle. They are all extremely beautiful, lik supermodels. They seduce the man into getting into their car. They use sensual language, erotic body language, and promise to fulfill his dreams.

Death By Fan

In South Korea, people believe that electric fans can kill. Yes, it is strange that some of the world's smartest people believe in something we Americans don't even think twice about. However, stranger things have happened and are believed in everyday.

Many in South Korea think that you will die in your sleep if an electronic fan is in you room at night, but only if the doors and windows are closed. For this reason, fans sold in South Korea have timers built in so they will shut off after a while.

Pompeii

When Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 A.D. We all learned this in school. Nearly everyone in the city of Pompeii died. Many were encased in rock, looking like they were still running away, sleeping, or gathering things from their homes. This natural disaster was seen as punishment from the Gods.

Women, children, men, elderly, all were wiped out in an instant. Those that survived had problems later on due to breathing in the ash from the eruption. Many of the surviving children didn't live long after due to smoke and ash in their little lungs.

Leap Castle

Leap Castle has a long history of murder and torture. Over 400 years ago, this was the home and stronghold of the O'Carroll family. They had hired mercenaries to kill their enemies, only to kill the soldiers when they came seeking payment.

There was a special room called the Oubliette. It was a windowless room without a floor that lead to the dungeon below. If they wanted to kill you, they would ask you upstairs. When you least expect it, they would push you into the Oubliette. You would fall down to the dungeon, where large spikes waited to impale you. The O'Carrolls would happily listen to your tortured screams as you bled to death.

Riviotisa

Ioannis Koukoutsis is said to walk on the cemetery grounds after midnight. He was a butcher by trade. He had a wife and daughter who loved him dearly.

Legend has it that he went crazy one night after work. Carrying a sharp butcher knife, he went home. Once home, he went up to his bedroom, where his wife was sleeping on the left side of the bed.

Kirchlengern Forest

WARNING! ALL PET LOVERS SHOULD NOT READ THIS STORY! IT WILL TRAMATIZE THEM! THANK YOU!

This is actually about a small portion of the forest. However, it has baffled locals in the nearby town, the forest rangers, and police. No one knows what is going on.

Georges Rodenbach Grave

George Rodenbach was a Belgium writer. He was born on July 16, 1855. His mother was French, his father was German.

He wrote many things during his life, from poems to short stories to novels to stage performances to criticisms. His most famous work was Bruges-la-Morte. David Bowie made reference to him in the song "Dancing Out in Space" on the 2013 album, The Next Day.

Little Finger

There was a male student who often studied in the University Library until very late. He would only walk back to the dorms when it closed for the night. He had to keep up his good grades, after all.

Every night, he passed by a park that had a swing. He always saw a girl sitting on the swing alone. One night, he decided o go talk to her. From then on, he would always talk with her for a bit before going to his dorm.

The Blue Ghost Tunnel

This tunnel is officially named the Merritton Tunnel, but everyone calls it the Blue Ghost Tunnel for one of the apparitions that lives inside.

Construction of the tunnel was completed in 1876 and used full-time until 1887, when it was only used part time. In 1915, the tunnel was shut down. Why? Well, for the numerous strange and tragic things that happened during the 39 years it was in use.

A Loita do Banheiro

When translated, the title means "The Blonde in the Bathroom". She is sort of like the Brazilian version of Bloody Mary or Hanako-san. Every child in Brazil has a Loita do Banheiro story.

It is said she is a beautiful girl with long blonde hair. She is all cut up and she has bloody cotton stuffed in her mouth and nose. Blood streams out of her empty eye socket. Some say she appears in the mirror and stares at you, others say she asks you to remove the cotton from her nose.

The Flying Dutchman

This is a ghost ship that sank long ago in the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa. Som say that the Captain, a Dutchman, couldn't see where he was going because of a storm and madly kept his course, thus calling on the wrath of God for his stupidity. Others say that he never noticed the dark clouds, and only when the look out scream did he realize he had driven his ship and crew into a powerful storm.

Either way, the ship rocked recklessly in the water as he kept his course. By the first story, his punishment was that he and his crew would sail for eternity until he admitted his folly. He is still stubborn to this day. However, the second story says that he vowed to "round the Cape even if I have to sail til doomsday!" He is still trying to save his ship.

Picton

Picton is a mere 80km (nearly 50 miles) southwest of Sydney, Australia. It is the historical town in Wollondilly Shire. It just might be the most haunted place down under.

It is maimed after a general from the Battle of Waterloo. It is a quaint little town. So quaint, many of the residents decided they never wanted to leave. There are such a large variety of ghosts there, it wouldn't be a surprise to find almost every known kind and maybe even a few unknown types of specter!

The Seventh Son

In a secluded village in Mexico, there was a boy. He was the seventh son of the seventh son. His name was Frederico and he lived in the 19th century.

Everyone knew he had occult powers. He was often able to predict the future and could heal any ailment by touching you. He was quiet and shy, but the other children treated him like a monster. The people of his village avoided him whenever they could.

The Werewolf of Bedberg

Peter Stubbe also went by Peter Stumpp and Peeter Stumpf. You can look him up under those names or his nickname, the Werewolf of Bedburg. This is a true story.

For many years, farmers of Bedburg, Germany, were baffled by the sudden death of their cattle and sheep. They were found dead in the fields and partially eaten. The farmers suspected that a wild and vicious Wolfe wax behind the attacks.

Redang Island

While this story takes place in Malaysia, it is actually a French story. That is why it only has France as it's country tag.

A group of six friends (three boys and three girls) decide to go on a Malaysian vacation. It was their first trip as boyfriends and girlfriends. They had a layover in Singapore, so from there, they went to the Redang Island (Malaysian: Pulua Redang). From the airport, they went to their hotel and unpacked.

Vampires of Greece

Transylvania isn't the only place to have vampires. Greece has them as well. Several types, in fact.

Callicantzaros-

These are a peculiar type of Grecian vampire. Leo Allatius discussed them in his 1645 treatise, De Graecorum hodie quorundam opinationibus. These vampires are related to the sanctity ascribed to Christian holy days at Christmas time. It is said that any child born between Christmas and New Years (or Epiphany of Twelfth Night- the evening when the Three Wisemen supposedly arrive at Bethlehem with their gifts for Jesus) are considered unlucky. These children were said to be feast-blasted and believed to be fated to become vampires upon death. The callicantzaros is distinct among vampires because they are limited to being active for the twelve days between Christmas and Epiphany. The rest of the time, they are stuck in a vague kind of limbo. It can be recognized by its manic behavior and extended fingernails. This vampire would grab people with its talons and tear them to sheds. Based on the maturity level of the born in the unlucky days, the appearance of the callicantzaros varies. The children were treated with hostility, making it noticeable in everyday life. Their parents feared they would act out vampiric fantasies on their siblings. Upon death, the siblings are often bitten and devoured by the callicantzaros. In order to prevent their child from becoming a vampire, one parent would hold the infant feet down over a fire until the tonails were singed.

Moving Virgin Mary Statue in Ballinspittle

In 1985, a man was out walking late one night and looked upon the statue of the Virgin Mary. He swore he saw it levitate. Being a retired police officer, he went to investigate after it was back on its base. He determined that it was no hoax.

Afterwards, the legend spread like wildfire. Other people stepped forth, claiming to have seen the statue rise up and off its foundations. Ballinspittle isn't the only place across Ireland to have these moving statues.

Ghostly Comics

I was surfing the web so that I could post something, but it was late and already dark. Yeah, spooky stuff gives me nightmares. My room faces a street light so that I have a night light every night. I am not ashamed to have nyctophobia (fear of the dark)! As long as I have light, I will survive!

Anyway, I found some funny stuff. Here you go!

Cosmetic Sesame

A young girl, obsessed with being beautiful, was worried that her skin wouldn't look young and smooth enough. She tried many different creams and moisturizer, but she was never happy with them. One day, she asked a friend for some help.

"You should try putting sesame seeds in your bath," said the friend. "They do wonders. Just soak for an hour, okay?"

Poveglia

Near beautiful and romantic Venice, Italy, there is an island. The shores of this island are strewn with polished human bones. It is reported to be so frightening that torrests aren't allowed to set foot on the island.

In 1576, Venice was in the midst of the plague. The streets were lined with rotting corpses. The stench was growing worse by the day. Something had to be done. The bodies were gathered and sent to Proveglia, where they were either thrown into pits or burned.

The Choking Dog

Because of the dog's breed, this story is also known as "The Choking Doberman. Pet livers love and hate this story.

There was this woman who lives in the suburban neighborhood outside of a city. She was the proud mother of a Doberman Pinscher. One night, she came home from work and found her dog choking.

She tried to clear the obstruction, but had no luck. She picked up the dog and loaded him in her car. Then, she took the dog to the nearest vet.

Witches Pond, Boldu-Creteasca Forest

This pond is only a few meters big and is well hidden in its forest, located somewhere outside of the capital city of Bucharest. Exact location is unknown.

First, though, a bit of a history lesson. As many of us know, Romania is also known as Transylvania, home to Dracula. In the Fifteenth Century, he was known by many names.

• Vlad Tepes
• Dracula (Dracul was his father's name and means "devil" or "dragon", so this name means " son of the devil")
• Vlad the Impaler
• The Impaler Prince

It wasn't until Bram Stoker published his book did his myth reach a wider audience.