Merry Creepmas : Legend of Krumpus

"He's making a list, He's checking it twice, gonna find out who's naughty..."

Have you been rather good this year or did you find yourself on the naughty list ? Growing up we are told that if we are naughty Santa is going to bring you a lump of coal. That doesn't seem so bad in retrospect but , what we aren't told is that there is something darker, someone more sinister watching. Starting in European countries It in some instances was dubbed Santa's shadow. He goes by the name of Krumpus and he's here to punish all the bad little boys and girls.

"He see's you when your sleeping. He knows when your awake. He knows if you been bad...."

I hope you have been good for goodness sake because you don't want to cross paths with this creepy creature. Yet again pre-dating another Christianity takeover festivals in Krumpus' namesake have taken place as far back as the 6th century. December 5th marks Krumpus day and on the night of Decmber 6th he assists Saint Nick (Santa) with visiting all the children. While Santa rewards all the good children with modest gifts of fresh fruit, nuts and chocolate, Krumpus punishes naughty kids with birch rods.

Although It's visual appearance may have different descriptions, some traits tend to remain the same. Horns of a goat , brown or black and cloven hooves. Often accompanied by the sounds of jingling bells and the rattling of chains, which in Christian church symbolize the binding of the Devil. Pre -dated Christianity he is also depicted carrying a Rute which is a bundle of birch branches which he uses to swat naughty children. Some customs ditch the rute in exchange for a switch and sometimes carrying a sack or basket slung over his back to carry off naughty children.

As most grew up with Santa, my spooky family also raised me on Krumpus. Not to be mistaken for El CoCo / Cucuy/ or the Boogeyman. I remember my mom taking us to Krumpus parades and watching the procession, and initiation as new Krumpus' were initiated by achieving the most scares. In mainstream Northern American, Krumpus has become more of a pop culture winter horror icon. Krumpus celebrations are becoming a growing phenomenon. Last year mom and I were very lucky to attend Seasons Screamings where we did get to enjoy a Krumpus parade. We met Lady Krumpus @pumadoescosplay as seen on Instagram, at the event who was just a blast. She posed for photos and even took a few selfies haha. Overall it was a blast to share the moment with the spooky queen herself Momma and relive many childhood memories.

You better watch out! Jolly ol' St Nick isn't the only one who's come to sleigh this winter season.