The Twelve Terrors of Christmas, which was written by John Updike and illustrated by Edward Gorey, was first published in 1992 in the New Yorker magazine. The novella was subsequently published in book form in 1994 by Pomegranate Communications.
Fundamentally, Updike's novella is an exploration of 12 separate Christmas traditions, each of which has shaped the holiday. Those traditions include the fixation on Santa, Santa's helpers, and singing Christmas songs. It is also an exploration of the true nature of Christmas and those who celebrate it. Updike's novella is a fundamentally funny and complex novel which takes a decidedly negative view of Christmas.
The Twelve Terrors of Christmas, although not as widely read as some of his other work, is considered a Christmas classic. The novel's publisher has indicated that Updike's novella is a great "stocking stuffer" for "any bah humbug." One prominent book blogger indicated that they felt that the novella is "goofy" and "quirky" and a "great gift."
