17: Krampus

Here in the UK, badly behaved children might discover that on Christmas morning, Father Christmas has left them lumps of coal or raw potatoes instead of toys and sweets. But in some other parts of Europe, the punishment for misbehaving is a whole lot worse. Saint Nicholas still brings presents for the good children, but naughty kids should, frankly, be terrified. Legend says that they're in for a visit from Saint Nick's less friendly companion - Krampus.

Sources and further reading:

'The Changing Mask of Krampus', Al Ridenour, Fortean Times, FT 348.

Wikipedia - Krampus / Companions of Saint Nicholas

Street Parade to Mark Latest Krampus Run, Whitby Gazette: http://www.whitbygazette.co.uk/news/street-parade-to-mark-latest-krampus-run-1-8737926

9 Facts About Krampus, Mental Floss: http://mentalfloss.com/article/71999/9-facts-about-krampus-st-nicks-demonic-companion

How to Blend in at an Alpine Krampus Parade: https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/how-to-blend-in-at-an-alpine-krampus-parade

Krampus Run around the Munich Christmas Market, Muenchen.de: http://www.muenchen.de/int/en/events/christmas-market/krampus-run.html

Austrian town reassures asylum-seekers over unusual Christmas tradition, Telegraph: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/austria/12024686/Austrian-town-reassures-asylum-seekers-over-unusual-Christmas-tradition.html