Krampus: Saint Nicholas' Dark Companion
While Saint Nicholas may bring gifts to good boys and girls, ancient folklore in Europe's Alpine region also tells of Krampus, a frightening beast-like 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 keeping with pre-Germanic Pagan traditions, men dressed as these demons have been frightening children on Krampusnacht for centuries, chasing them and hitting them with sticks, on an (often alcohol-fueled) run through the dark streets. [20 photos]
http://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/2013/12/krampus-saint-nicholas-dark-companion/100639/
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Your tireless contributions to this group. It keeps DU interesting and educational.
I've been so busy with family genealogy that I sometimes forget to post in here, especially when I keep finding new stuff about an obscure ancestor! (The family alter keeps growing!) 
What an interesting hobby. I can see how that would be distracting. Yet, you still provide this group with much interesting material. I learn a lot from here. 
