Watch Ghost Stories for Christmas

The BBC1's 'Ghost Stories for Christmas' is a classic horror anthology series that has the perfect blend of eerie atmosphere and gripping storytelling. This series features a roster of some of the best actors in the genre, including the legendary Christopher Lee, Peter White, and Matthew Wheatley.

The show is set around the festive period, with each episode being an adaptation of a classic ghost story or horror tale from some of the world's most renowned authors. The stories featured are haunting, creepy, and atmospheric, making them the perfect tales to tell on a cold winter's night.

The series premiered in 2000 with the first episode, 'The Signalman.' This adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic story starred Peter Vaughan as the titular character, a railway signalman who becomes haunted by a ghostly apparition warning him of impending danger. The episode is shot in a way that creates a claustrophobic atmosphere, with the focus on the signalman's descent into terror and madness.

The second episode, 'The Diary of Mr. Poynter,' stars Lee and Wheatley. Based on the ghost story by M.R. James, the episode tells the tale of a man who inherits a quaint seaside property from his uncle but soon discovers that the house is haunted by a malevolent spirit. The clever use of sound and lighting helps create the suspense and tension necessary for the audience to feel fully immersed in the story.

The third episode, 'The Treasure of Abbot Thomas,'also stars Lee and Wheatley. Adapted from another M.R. James' classic ghost story, the episode centers around a treasure hunter who sets out to find a valuable artifact, but instead uncovers a horrifying truth about the abbey's past. This episode features some of the scariest scenes in the entire series, and the use of practical effects and prosthetics adds to the horror.

The fourth episode, 'The Ash Tree,' is an adaptation of the horror story by M.R. James. It stars Anna Massey as a woman who inherits a large estate from her ancestors but soon discovers that her family's dark past is coming back to haunt her. With a nod to classic horror tropes, this episode features some of the most unsettling imagery in the series, making it impossible to look away, even during the most intense scenes.

The final episode, 'Number 13,' is an adaptation of James’ horror story about a man who decides to explore the history of a mysterious, now-disappeared hotel room. The episode is chilling and suspenseful, a great end to a five-part series.

In conclusion, 'Ghost Stories for Christmas' from BBC1 is a must-watch for any horror or ghost story fan. The anthology series presents a collection of some of the best horror stories of all time, brought to life by an excellent cast of actors, brilliant cinematography, and haunting music. The series is a true classic that perfectly captures the spooky and eerie atmosphere of Christmas.