The Origins of Christmas Legends and Traditions We Didn’t Know

Krampus, with origins predating Christ, is the dark counterpart to Santa Claus in European folklore, especially in Germany. More than just missing out on presents, misbehaving children feared Krampus would beat and kidnap them.

While some Austrian traditions have tried softening his image since the 1950s, in places like Schlanders, Italy, the Krampus tradition is celebrated with young men dressing up to play the part, followed by communal drinks. Krampus even has his own night, Krampusnacht, and appears on holiday greeting cards, known as Krampuskarten.