Bleak Season 2026: The Dark Mystery Journal
Hi gang! Bleak Season starts November 12, and I’m keeping a Dark Mystery Journal through March 1. Deep Bleak, the heart of the season, runs from December 5 through January 13. You now, Krampusnacht through St. Knut’s Day, the grimmest period during these upcoming cold, dark nights.
This year, I want to keep track of strange things we notice in everyday life. That could be a ghostly experience, an odd sound or sighting, something monstrous or fae, a bit of magic, or an event we just can’t explain. I’m not keeping a dream journal this time. This one’s for the mysteries we encounter while we’re awake.
If something happens, jot down what you experienced, when and where it happened, who else was there, and anything that might help explain it. Photos, recordings, or other details are welcome if you have them. You don’t need special gear or a dramatic midnight investigation. Regular life has enough weird corners.
The journal is about noticing, recording, and seeing what patterns emerge. We can keep what we observed separate from what we think it might mean, and leave room for “I don’t know.”
I’ll also be exploring the dark folklore and traditions of the season: winter spirits like Krampus and his kin, old warnings and customs, and things like Krampus wreaths. Those stories give us plenty to investigate while we keep our own notes along the way.
Bring me anything strange, eerie, or hard to explain that you’d like to add to the journal. Let’s see what Bleak Season turns up.
EXTRA: In the feature image, try to find all the dark mysterious beings and things hiding in it.
