All the happy shiny holiday spirit getting to you?
Article by Bindi Lavelle

If the jolly plump Santa annoys the ho ho hell out of you, then his Northern European side kick, the Krampus could be just what the doctor ordered.

In pre-Christian times, the Krampus (also known as Wilde Mann, Knecht, Ruorecht, Black Peter, Klaubauf and the female version, Perchta) was a winter spirit, however being that he was a 7 foot cloven hoofed goat man, the story was integrated into the much more wholesome story of Saint Nick.

Basically while Santa carried around a sack full of goodies to give to the nice kids, the Krampus would beat the naughty ones with a switch.

On the November 6th (the night before Saint Nicolas’ feast) in the Cold North drunken young men dress in wooden Krampus masks and drag around chains while wielding sticks to scare neighborhood children into behaving. Making for a night of revelry somewhere between Halloween and Christmas.

So rest assured, not all Christmas traditions are warm and fuzzy.

Have a happy and safe holiday and may the Krampus sort out the brats on your street.