In the United States and in other parts of the world, Christmas is one of the largest holidays celebrated. Parents and teachers are able to get children to behave with the promise of gifts and treats from Santa Claus. Presents delivered by a jolly old man has become a sort of threat used on children. But before Father Christmas came Krampus.

While Santa is portrayed as a jolly chunky old man, Krampus is a half-goat half-demon. Made from the stuff of nightmares, Krampus originated in Germany. The anti-Santa goes armed with bells, chains, and birch sticks. He is said to swat the naughty children and then drag them into the underworld. Now that is one way to get the kids to behave.

In Norse mythology, he is said to be the son of Hel. Hel is the ruler of the realm of the dead and Loki’s youngest child. If that alone doesn’t bring the fear of Krampus into anyone then they should prepare for a rough December. On the night before December 6, Krampus wanders from town to town to seek out all of the naughty children.

Recently, Krampus has made a sort of a comeback in Europe and North America. The public moving towards more alternatives to celebrate the Holiday’s has brought the demon a new life. Austria, Hungary, Czech Republic, and other countries have taken to the streets for a Krampuslauf. The Krampuslauf is a sort of Krampus Run where people are chased down the streets by the hairy devil.

We can all admit that while this is a little unusual, celebrating Krampus sounds like a Halloween in December.