Kids on the nice list are definitely expecting someone jolly for Christmas. Those on the naughty list could expect a cole inside their Christmas stockings. However, for some cultures, there is something sinister waiting for those who have lost the Christmas spirit— Krampus.
Krampus is Santa Claus’ shadow, his evil counterpart. And just like in the Christmas Horror Movie “Krampus,” this not-so-merry creature does not visit to give but to take; it does not reward but punish.
According to Austria’s Alpine region folklore, Krampus is a half-man, half-goat who chases naughty children away. He either beats them up with sticks or even drags them to hell. There is even a day in Alpine Austria and some areas in Germany called “Krampusnacht,” which translates to “Krampus night.” It is a day when adults dress up as Krampus and scare children.
There are even popular Christmas horror movies where Krampus is the antagonist, such as Michael Dougherty’s Krampus (2015) and A Christmas Horror Story (2015).
Real or not, Krampus is an effective way to scare naughty kids during Christmas. But rumor has it that he also takes adults. So, let this be a reminder to get on Santa’s nice list unless you want to get beaten by sticks or dragged to the deep, fiery pits.
