The Cathartic Power of Christmas Horror Cinema

This article explores the cathartic potential of Christmas horror cinema, drawing upon Aristotle’s concept of catharsis through art, particularly within the context of visual art and horror film. The article provides insights into the heritage of Christmas horror, including the tradition of ghost stories for Christmas in Great Britain. Subsequently, it explores the phenomenon of Christmas horror cinema, analysing its distinctive features and characteristics. The article seeks to understand why cinematic Christmas horror, with its monsters and macabre themes, holds such appeal for viewers. Additionally, the article examines how Christmas horror films critique excessive consumerism and offer catharsis during a holiday season that can be exclusionary and stressful for many individuals. Overall, this research sheds light on the transformative potential of Christmas horror cinema as a means of confronting societal issues and providing psychological release during the holiday season.