Spooky Advent: 5th December

Krampus / Krampusnacht... a traditional figure in Central and Eastern European folklore, Krampus is basically bad santa. This frankly terrifying horned figure accompanies St Nicholas on his visits to children on the night before St Nicholas' Day (6th December). St Nick rewards the good kids with gifts, but Krampus punishes the bad ones by whipping them with birch twigs. In many portrayals he is seem actually carrying off naughty children in a wicker basket on his back... sweet dreams, middle European children!