Haven't you noticed the starved glint in the eye of the person telling you that, baby, it's cold outside? Haven't you wondered what eldritch magic was in that old silk cap put on Frosty? Don't you need some scary ghost stories to tell during this most wonderful time of the year? In Thomm Quackenbush's warped winter wonderland, Santa is more than a benevolent gift-giver and you may pay richly for an unconvincing present-face. Through tales fantastic and close to home-where family mythology hinges on tragedy, where a misspelled letter to Santa brings infernal bureaucrats, and where the forces of Christmas cheer have been playing a long con-Quackenbush creates a holiday tableau that will make you laugh aware your uneasiness. Be wary, because it won't be visions of sugarplums dancing in your head when you are done.