The legend of the anthropomorphic goatlike figure of Krampus begins in the European Alpine region, but his exact origins are unclear. The horned terror serves as Saint Nicholas’s dark counterpart. The pair travel together on the night of December 5th, Krampusnacht, when they visit children and determine who has been naughty or nice. Saint Nicholas rewards the good children with gifts, while Krampus punishes the bad by beating them with birch rods. This is the night before the Feast of Saint Nicholas in Christian tradition.

Krampus has surged in popularity since the 17th century. The figure has his own parades called Krampuslauf (“Krampus Runs”) in some European countries, where people dress as Krampus in attempts to scare others and have fun. He is also featured on his own greeting cards - Krampuskarten!

The Krampus Society of New England holds its Krampusnacht Ball every year around this time, to continue celebrating and appreciating Krampus and other holiday figures.

p.s. If you are going to leave out an offering for Krampus to avoid getting punished… Krampus loves his schnapps!