Twas The Night: A Holiday Horrors Short Story

by Erica Damon

Welcome to Holiday Horrors, a multi-author collection of standalone thriller and horror short stories. In this series, you'll question whether Christmas is about Santa's Sleigh... or Santa's Slay. What holiday nightmares keep you up at night?Getting a Christmas tree and setting it up on Christmas Eve is the Morgan family’s favorite tradition. But this year is a little different.

A freak snow squall sends the truck careening off a winding back road, and just when Oliver thinks things are as bad as they can get, he spots something in the trees.

Is it someone coming to help, or is something about to show them what it truly means to be on the Naughty List?

Make sure you check out all of the Holiday Horrors Collection!

Genres: Christmas

40 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 5, 2025

About the author

Erica Damon is a writer, equestrian, and artist living in Western Massachusetts. Her compulsively creative nature has led to a collection of ‘what ifs?’ and that sense of wonder weaves its way into her fiction. She writes thriller and horror under her name, and equestrian romance under the pen name, Isla Ryder.

In any genre, her goal is to sweep the reader into her world, keeping it grounded enough in reality that the reader doesn’t question a moment of the action.

This is what she loves helping other authors with, as she has discovered that she enjoys reading books in the early stages even more than published ones and helping writers to spin their stories into something riveting as a developmental editor. If she’s not writing, she’s likely out riding horses while ideas swirl in the background.

Reviews

[Celeste Velocci (bookrecs_by_celeste) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The ending of this one got me! Super creepy and twisty for a short story

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talking about a jaw dropping ending! Of all the ways I saw this playing out this was not it. I loved this short story, and enjoyed how this author threw in small hints that truly made you wonder how this all would tie in together. I liked Oliver, he was my favorite character in this story. IS innocence was refreshing, not knowing that there was something sinister going on the entire time. This went real left, real fast & I enjoyed every minute. I will never look at Christmas Tree Shopping the same again.

Publication 🗓️: 12.05.25

[Brooke Montoya · Rating 5 out of 5]

It really ‘Twas The Night…for Christmas horror. A family tradition of a buying a Christmas tree takes a terrifying turn. I love how the story is told through the eyes of the child, which really stirs up the magic of Christmas in the reader.

This story was intense and twisty! Grab your cocoa and peppermint stick and settle in for a holiday treat!

[Steph Adkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

What the helly! Poor Oliver will never look at Christmas again! An Intense, gory, fast paced short story with a twist of events you won’t see coming!

Part of The Holiday Horrors Collection, all standalones and they do not need to all be read but I suggest you do, there’s some amazing authors in the collection. Please check your triggers before diving in!

* I received my copy of this book as an ARC and I’m leaving my review voluntarily *

[Tracy Hinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great horrifying short story. My first time reading short stories . I love it.

[Maxine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one had me STRESSED. Loved it!

[Laurence · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oooo boy did that give me chills. Very Freida Mcfadden-esque ending.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was privileged to be selected as an ARC reader for this title. This book delivers a truly intense and highly compelling narrative experience. The plot maintains a rapid pace and successfully builds toward a completely unexpected and stunning end. For readers who appreciate twisted, suspenseful holiday-themed story, this is a definitive, MUST-read to add to your TBR

[Naito Diamond · Rating 5 out of 5]

’Twas the Night is a chilling little Christmas horror that absolutely gave me shudders. Erica Damon takes what should be the most wholesome tradition—going out as a family to pick a Christmas tree—and twists it into something deeply unsettling. The brilliance lies in telling the story through the eyes of young Oliver, whose innocence, determination to stay on the Nice List, and simple trust make the unfolding terror hit even harder.

What happens to his parents on the way home is horrifying enough, but then comes that twist—the one that lands with surgical precision and leaves you cold. For such a short story, it delivers incredible impact, perfectly balancing festive atmosphere with creeping dread. It’s sharp, compact, and unforgettable.

One of the best short Christmas horror stories I’ve read. Absolutely loved it.

[butterflyprincessluvsbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun read. Keep me hooked from the beginning. I was caught between is this a dream, is this reality, is there more to the story. I thought Oliver’s mom was trying to protect him from a scary story when she turned off the radio, never in a million years did I expect that ending. Let me stop talking now before I give too much away. This is definite must read short story. You’ll enjoy it. Now let me go & look at Erica Damon’s other books. I’m sure they are going to be just as good. Happy Reading!

[Nikki B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twas the Night is a very short holiday horror. Oliver is with his family for a quick outing to get the family Christmas tree. But the bad weather sends their truck off the road and the person that he thinks is coming to help may not be what or who he thinks it is. I really enjoyed this one. Especially the little twist that happened. I didn't expect it at all!
Definitely check out this holiday horror out for spooky vibes this christmas. I read this in under an hour.

[Laura Welsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a spooky, holiday short story. Oliver and his parents were out getting a Christmas tree the night before Christmas. They got caught in a snow squall, which led to them getting stranded with no cell reception.

Both his parents are taken by a mysterious monster. But before his mom was taken, she told Oliver to make sure that his grandma checked behind the pantry.

The ending left more questions than answers...

I enjoyed reading this short story and will look for more by this author.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Twas the Night delivers a chilling dose of suspense wrapped in twinkling lights and snowfall. Set against the backdrop of a seemingly perfect holiday season, the story follows a young boy whose world unravels when something terrible happens to his parents. What begins as a Christmas horror quickly spirals into an emotional journey full of secrets, suspicion, and heart-stopping revelations.

[Rachel Browning · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Twas The Night”, featured in the Holiday Horrors collection, is an intense and gripping short story that puts a sinister twist on holiday traditions. Erica Damon turns the naughty-or-nice rule into something genuinely terrifying, keeping the tension high from start to finish. This one will definitely make you think twice about landing on the naughty list!

[Jenn Honkofsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a strange story, but a nail-biter and 100 percent thrilling. I was hooked from the beginning and then surprised by the end. Although the end made me want more, I would still recommend this incredible short story. I read this as an ARC and encourage you to read it as soon as it goes live. Very short, so it won’t take long to read at all; you won’t be able to put it down.

[Jeremy Fowler · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a devious and disturbing little story! Not only does this pack a powerful punch, but the twists just keep on coming! Oliver, our little hero, is trying to make it home in time for Santa with their real tree. However when their truck crashes, nightmares take on new life!

Such a fun and fantastic read!

[KwentongKuneho · Rating 5 out of 5]

THAT. WAS. A. SHOCKER!

I’ve read this in one sitting and boy, I ended the book with my mouth wide open. I am in absolute shock. It was a short read but definitely full of action. Who would’ve thought that it would end the way it ended.

And the twist! OMG! The twist was just so well written.

I loved it.

[Heather Flaherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love the Holiday Horrors short stories. Oliver has been a very good boy this year and is super excited about Santa. He is for sure on the nice list. On the way home from getting a Christmas tree with his mom and dad, they wreck in the snow. He sees something in the trees and is not sure if it’s someone going to help them or if someone has been on the naughty list!

[Suzan Larson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this! I’m always amazed when authors pack everything into a short story! This one is so good. Kept me on the edge of my seat right through! A little journey to pick up a Christmas tree turns into a evening you won’t forget! Amazing. Definitely recommend. I was very lucky to be an ARC reader for this one!

[Ashley Aceves · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️💚 Holiday Traditions With A Naughty Twist!! ❤️💚WOW!! SUCH AN AMAZINGLY AWESOME 5 STAR SHORT READ! 😍
BUCKLE UP FOR THIS NAUGHTY Story
RIDE! FILLED WITH SHARP TWISTS & TURNS!! YOU DEFINITELY WANT TO MAKE SURE YOU STAY OFF THE NAUGHTY LIST YEAR ROUND!! SO GRAB YOUR HOT COCOA & RUSH ON OVER TO GET YOUR BOOK NOW!!
HAPPY READING! 😁🤗🤓📖
AND REMEMBER BE NICE!!

[Nicole Milazzo · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Twas The Night: A Holiday Horrors Short Story" by Erica Damon is a chilling Christmas horror read. The Morgan family’s tradition of getting a Christmas tree and decorating it on Christmas Eve turns terrifying when they're stranded in a snowstorm. I love how the story’s told from the child’s perspective, and an ending I did not see coming! 😱🎄 A twisty, intense holiday horror treat.

[Keeley Webb Author · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my second read by Erica. I loved The Monster of Old Lincoln Road, but sadly, I didn't enjoy this story. It read more like a dark Grimms' fairytale, which isn't my cup of tea, and the ending was a bit abrupt without much explanation of a motive. This is just my opinion, and please don't let it put you off from trying it for yourself.

[Ashleigh Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first time reading a holiday horror story and this novella from Erica was perfectly creepy!

A quick read about what's lurking in the dark. Hopefully you're not on the naughty list.

Thanks for the opportunity to read an advanced copy!

[Country · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short story was amazing and turned the naughty and nice list into a nightmare. A simple family outing to pick a tree turned into something terrifying.I loved the pov throughout the story and all the attention to detail in the story. Great story!

[Heather Shower · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
A simple Christmas tree outing turns chilling fast in this child-narrated tale. The holiday magic makes the horror hit even harder.... especially the final twist. Short, sharp, and unforgettable.

[Crystal O · Rating 5 out of 5]

we always tell children that Santa is putting them on a naughty or nice list but what about grownups? what starts as a nice family day getting ready for Christmas turns into a silent night for some. #holidayhorrors

[Jenny Fraser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this story, shows that there are consequences for your actions. Poor kid though. I have never read anything from this author before and will not be the last as I now have 3 more of her books to read.

If you love short stories this is one you have to read.

[Alesa Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting from start to finish.

[Tabatha Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

very interesting short story

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short story is amazing f in so many ways! It’s surprising and creepy and just GREAT!!! I loved it from beginning to end!