Santa sidekicks?!
Yes, Santa had a sidekick. Or an archenemy in some cultures but none the less there was, and still is observed in some places another character to add the pantheon of Christmas.
Let me introduce The Krampus!
The Krampus, Like Santa is one of those pesky leftovers from those horrible nasty Pagan years back before Christians swarmed into Eastern Europe The Krampus was one of Santa's henchmen that did all the dirty work. Traditionally he was horned and wore rags and chains while holding a bundle of switches or a stick. His primary function was to scare children into behaving unless they wanted a good beating from The Krampus.
The Krumpas are very fond of liquors and women. Did I mention his foot-long tongue? Yeah, the ladies had to watch out for The Krumpas as well. There are old European postcards depicting ladies being chased by a devilish Krumpas to celebrate the seasons. Of course, I don't know how hard the ladies really fought to keep The Krumpas away. He did have a foot-long tongue.
Today still exist several traditional events featuring The Krumpas in Eastern Europe. Usually it entails several young men dressing in goat-hair costumes with large horns and masks and getting liquored-up and going down main street a-la Santa rampage. Apparently good fun is good fun no matter where you're from.
