Contributed by Jeff Fountain

So, it’s that time of year again, what with the rude and somewhat psychotic crowds at malls, the draining of the bank accounts and the insane pressure to please your loved ones with the right gift. Let’s not forget the music, always there lurking in the stores, the elevators and the radio, like an unwelcome companion you just can’t get rid of.

Welcome to the final days before Christmas.

However, as we more closely examine this supposed celebration of gift giving and giggles, there is something that is just not quite right. Underneath all the glitz and wrapping paper, the eggnog and mistletoe, there lies a dark cloud that hangs over this celebration, oozing disdain and contempt.

This is where the horror genre lives.

For all its glitz and glamo ur, Christmas has created a sort of underground rebellion that is a perfect place for horror to thrive. However, let’s be clear about something here. This is not to say the horror genre has actually thrived in the month of December. With a handful of exceptions, horror movies are usually dead on arrival in this month of the jolly old fat guy. The billion dollar money making machine that is Christmas has had its foot on the neck of horror in the Christmas season for a long, long time with no signs of letting up anytime soon.

That being said, I sense a change in the air.

Very quietly, the movie KRAMPUS (review) opened Dec 4th and earned enough box office cash to already cover its budget, and while it is destined to fall off and probably quickly, it is already on its way to being a low budget horror success.

So where am I going with this? I’m glad you asked. For the horror genre to get out from under the very large boot of the corporate Christmas juggernaut, it will be the little guy who leads the way. Indie horror has slowly begun to build up a solid base of very talented actors, directors, cinematographers and composers who are ready to burst out and take their many talents to bigger budgets and even better films but to do that, they need some help.

Yes, I’m talking to you.

The horror genre has som e of the most loyal and passionate fans around but also suffers from that same disease that effects so many genres, that being general indifference. When a horror movie comes out they talk a good game but rarely give it the support that it so desperately needs from the fans. Anyone can jump on THE CONJURING bandwagon but how many horror fans are going to continue to support KRAMPUS after its first weekend of release?

This is where indie horror comes in.

Dark, disturbing, twisted and intelligent films now are the norm here, mixing great talent with wonderful ideas for some truly stunning results. However, while special screening events and film festivals are great ways to get the word out, indie horror should not have to rely on that alone. It’s time for the horror fan to stand up and show exactly how he or she feels by getting the word out about great movies more people should be seeing in a genre they supposedly love.

So instead of waiting for a crappy download, go to the theater. See something you love? Hit social media with a purpose instead of watching cat videos. Jump into the horror community and be a real voice instead of just background chatter and before you know it, things will start to change. Bigger and better horror movies will be made and the success will all be traced back to where it began, with the support of horror fans like you.

The first step can be taken this Christmas season by taking time out from the insanity to hit the local theater, find a horror movie, buy a ticket and embrace the genre you love. Start a ripple of rebellion and that will have corporate Christmas shaking in its collective boots.

Watch out, Santa. Indie horror is coming.