As children, most of us may have eagerly waited for generous Santa and red-nosed Rudolph to stop by and place our gifts under the Christmas tree. The lighthearted carols and magical tales, the crisp scent of pine and cinnamon, the comforting warmth of the crackling fireplace and our family may be the strongest memories of this day. Quite opposite to its modern mirth and festive nature, however, it was historically believed that the unsurvivable winter would also bring with it countless demonic and merciless spirits that roam the Earth. Here, we uncover the more obscure and macabre side of Christmas that has kept children tucked under their blankets for centuries. 

Tracing its ancient Pagan origins, Christmas has always been a time for both rewards and punishments — and a perfect opportunity for parents to encourage (or frighten) their children into obedience. Krampus, half-man half-goat, would leave coal instead of gifts, ruthlessly beat unruly children with birch reeds, and even whisk the worst ones off in his basket to eat for dinner. His shaggy fur, large horns and fangs, goat hooves, and pointed tongue show his wickedness. The celebration of Krampusnacht on December 5 — where people dress in homemade Krampus costumes, approach strangers and demand alcohol — has spread beyond Germany and Austria to many other parts of the world. Perchta, a witch who also originates from German folklore, punishes the lazy and uncharitable by slicing open their stomachs and replacing intestines with garbage. 

Grýla, a giant ogress with Icelandic origins, has an insatiable hunger for misbehaving children. Yule cat (Jólakötturinn), her monstrous pet cat, unhesitatingly feeds on both adults and children, unless they have received new clothes for Christmas as a reward for hard work. Meanwhile, Hans Trapp, the only folklore based on a real person (known in life as Hans von Trotha), still circulates in the French Alsace and Lorraine regions. After being excommunicated from the Christian Church, he disguised himself as a scarecrow, abducted a child to eat, and was killed by lightning. Ever since, his spirit is said to appear every Christmas, waiting to kidnap more unfortunate children. 

While these sinister creatures discourage bad behaviour through terror, others are more gentle and forgiving. La Befana, a grandmotherly witch from Italian lore (known as Babushka in Russia), would travel on her broomstick, deliver sweets to good children, and mop the floor (together with the troubles of the previous year) before she leaves. Belsnickel, more so known in German and Pennsylvania Dutch communities, dresses in rags and furs, takes out candies and nuts in his pocket to give to children, and carries a whip to remind the naughty to behave before Christmas. Furthermore, many Scandinavians leave gifts and food for Tomten, the bad-tempered guardian and helper of the household. 

Some are remembered for their petty mischiefs, others — for their tyrannical powers. The Yule Lads are the 13 sons of Grýla, each with catchy names and a memorable personality; “Pot Scraper” is always eager to find leftover food, “Window Peeper” spies on children, while “Candle Stealer” leaves them in the dark by stealing the candles. A different Yule Lad is said to visit children from 13 days before Christmas, pranking them or sometimes leaving gifts. In present-day Norway and Sweden, Lussi is represented as a beautiful goddess, but a few centuries ago she was a demonic woman who travelled with evil spirits and killed crops, livestock, and children in her way. 

Different countries house different Christmas creatures and folktales. From the nice and helpful to the menacing and terrifying, Christmas characters across the world make our celebrations all the more colourful. Mostly, they remind all of us, both children and adults, of the respected values of diligence, honesty, and generosity which we may at times forget.