Happy St. Nicholas Day (December 6th)!
Here he is in la belle France avec Pere Fouettard, a mad butcher/priest dude who will get you if you are naughty. (Click link to see the French website where I found this cool picture.)
In Switzerland, St. Nick hangs with Schmutzli, a sooty, nasty dude who will carry you off in his sack if you don't watch out. (Click link to see Flickr with this great pic).
The devilish Krampus is part of Austrian (and other eastern European nations') winter holiday traditions that have merged with St. Nicholas Day and Christmas. Krampus, which means "claw", is another bogeyman to make sure that the kiddies don't get out of line. Click here for more about Krampus.
In the Netherlands, Santa, known as Sinter Klaas, is accompanied by Schwartz Piet, an African helper in Renaissance style clothes. Schwartz Piet is more of a friendly helper than a threat to kids. (Click here for more on Sinter Klaas).
Have these kids been naughty? Only Krampus knows.
Have a cool Yule!
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