http://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/2013/12/krampus-saint-nicholas-dark-companion/100639/
Now THIS is a holiday that April and I could get into. Are you one of those parents who don't beat your kids? We'll take care of it today!
While Saint Nicholas may bring gifts to good boys and girls, ancient folklore in Europe's Alpine region also tells of Krampus, a frightening beast-like creature who emerges during the Yule season, looking for naughty children to punish in horrible ways -- or possibly to drag back to his lair in a sack. In keeping with pre-Germanic Pagan traditions, men dressed as these demons have been frightening children on Krampusnacht for centuries, chasing them and hitting them with sticks, on an (often alcohol-fueled) run through the dark streets.
Now THIS is a holiday that April and I could get into. Are you one of those parents who don't beat your kids? We'll take care of it today!