Christmas Eve or also known as Oh Holy night. A time of magic with beautiful soft falling snow. A magical glow from the Christmas tree with the lovely aromas of citrus, nutmeg and cinnamon. A time of excitement that every little kids knows unless you were on the naughty list. During the 17th century misbehaving children had a better understanding of what was to come for them. The winter demon or Christmas witch. Folklore stories of Krampus and Gryla had the same storyline that misbehaved children must be punished.
Krampus background was based in Germany and Austria and was typically deliciated as a demon with horns and body of a human goat with a long snake or dragon like tongue. It was said he carried chains thought to symbolize the binding of the Devil and a bundle of birch branches that he would use to swat the children. However, on Christmas Eve he travels with a sack on his back that he uses to cart off children back to hell with him. It has been said that Krampus can be merciless and follows the rule for justice. He only comes for the children that misbehave, and while he does seem to enjoy punishing the wicked children, he has never harmed a innocent child. It has been said that Krampus was the son of the Norse God -Hel, that was the daughter of Loki. Hel was goddess of the underworld is greedy, harsh and cruel which she must be living amongst the dead. Krampus existence severs as a warning that actions have repercussions and choice matters. Krampus is still celebrated in many parts of Germany and Austria. They have the Krampus run of Munich at the Christmas markets. 300+ masked Krampus stalk the Christmas markets scaring and searching for naughty children.
Gryla
Is a monstrous entity that lives in the wilderness of Iceland. She was represented as a Troll-like creature who wonders between human settlements and demands charity from those she encounter. Often asking from the naughtiest children. It was said she was also known as a Christmas witch that would cook the naughty children in a Christmas stew. Her legend has been frightening to the people of Iceland for centuries, and she is still a prominent figure in Icelandic Christmas traditions. The legend of her can be traced back to the 13th century with a rich and horrid history. It is said that she still lives in the mountains of Iceland and on Christmas she makes her way down to towns hunting for misbehaving children. She is known for her terrifying scream that can be heard from miles away. They say she has a long protruding tongue that she using for licking the children before taking them away. She is still celebrated today during the Christmas seasons, with great enthusiasm because if you find a potato is your shoes you have been deemed a well-behaved child. It has been said that she has a family that help her conduct evil deeds like the 13 children known as Yule Lads, all males and strange elf-like creatures that come out around Christmas time to wreck havoc on the world.
You have been warned, to be good or beware of whats to come!