December 6 is the Feast of St. Nicholas. Santa comes to good boys and girls. Bad boys and girls get visits from Krampus, s devil-like figure who punishes bad kids in ways best left undescribed. In southern Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, Krampusnacht, Krampus night, Krampus visits homes as adults go on Krampus runs and wear Krampus masks. (name likely derived from cramp—bent, crooked)
C. T. Suddeth 
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