"An Unmerry Christmas" is a short story written by Ambrose Bierce in 1897. The story follows a man named Asa Trenchard, who has lost his wife and child in a tragic accident. On Christmas Eve, Asa receives a visit from an unknown guest who offers him a chance to spend the night with his deceased loved ones in a mystical realm. Despite his initial hesitation, Asa accepts the offer and spends the night with his family, only to realize upon returning to the mortal world that the experience has changed him forever. The story explores themes of grief, loss, and the power of memory to shape our experiences and perceptions.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1892 · Genre: Short Story, Satire, Dark Comedy