Bavaria & Austria
Krampus
Father Christmases demonic companion Krampus is a central part of the Christmas tradition of the German speaking Alpine region. December 5th is Krampusnacht when Krampus reigns, with people dressing up as the scary demon and parading through towns frightening and beating bystanders! Bad children don’t get presents; if they’re lucky they get a bundle of sticks, if they’re unlucky they get beaten! December 6th is Nikolastaug and for all the children who have not been beaten, abducted, damned or drowned, good old St Nick, hands out gifts. So next time your kids are driving you nuts, tell them about Krampus and prepare for them never to sleep on their own again!