Tales of Saint Nicholas might feature him bringing gifts to good boys and girls, but ancient folklore in Europe’s Alpine region also speaks of Krampus, a frightening demonlike creature who emerges during the Yule season, looking for naughty children to punish in horrible ways—or possibly to drag back to his lair in a sack. In the dark winter months, Krampus associations in villages hold parades, playfully frightening onlookers on Krampusnacht by chasing them and hitting them with sticks during a run through the streets.
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