9 Items Tagged

Christmas Monsters

Less terrifying than a traditional <em>Krampuslauf</em>, these breads are a holiday treat.

Make Krampus Bread This Holiday Season

Introducing the edible version of the least-cuddly Christmas creature.

Diana Hubbell December 23, 2024

Around the world, people ward off evil Christmas creatures, from witches to kid-eating cats.

Christmas Monsters: Our Favorite Reads

These creatures of lore are definitely on the naughty list.

Roxanne Hoorn December 20, 2024

The <em>Schiachperchten</em> traditionally scare away bad fortune.

Krampus Has Come and Gone. Next Up, the Perchten.

These masked marchers bring blessings and fun.

Joy Anderson December 19, 2024

Frau Perchta is often called the Christmas Witch, but that is just one aspect of who she is: a powerful winter goddess who has endured a centuries-old campaign to vilify her.

Fearsome Frau Perchta Is an Ancient Alpine Winter Goddess

Today, she's commonly called the Christmas Witch or even "the female Krampus"—but she is so much more.

Victoria Linchong December 29, 2023

The Yule Cat (or Jólakötturinn) serves as a warning for children to not misbehave, much like the threat of coal for naughty children on Christmas.

Beware the Yule Cat, Iceland’s Child-Eating Christmas Monster

But if you’re wearing new clothes, you have nothing to fear from Jólakötturinn.

Suzie Dundas December 22, 2023

Looming over the people he visits, clacking his jaws and dancing wildly, Turoń may look terrifiying, but he just wants to deliver blessings.

Meet Turoń, Poland's Dancing Bull-Beast of Winter

The ancient tradition of Turoń bestowing blessings has faded but, like the creature itself, it may be resurrected.

Emma Cieslik December 15, 2023

There’s a gruesome twist to these St. Nicholas Day celebrations.

Beware the Christmas Cannibal of France

How a whip-wielding butcher became St. Nick's sidekick.

Anna Richards December 6, 2023

A member of the Milwaukee Krampus Eigenheit was one of dozens of furry, horned menaces swatting onlookers with switches during the annual Milwaukee Krampusnacht.

Krampus Is the Christmas Icon We Need—And Maybe the One We Deserve

At Milwaukee’s Krampusnacht, we go in search of the essence of Santa’s unholy enforcer.

Gemma Tarlach December 9, 2022

The Monsters of Christmas

Sarah Elizabeth Troop December 25, 2013