Vintage krampus

The 2004 book Devil in Design by Monte Beauchamp (previously) of BLAB! features a beautiful collection of creepy vintage Krampus Christmas postcards. The

Krampus, also known as the Christmas Devil and the Christmas Demon, is a demonic accomplice and the arch-nemesis of Saint Nicholas/Santa Claus, who appears in various legends within most European countries, most notably Austria and Hungary. He was used as a scare-them-straight figure by children's parents as a means to frightening them into obeying them lest they become the next victims of Krampus. According to folklore, Krampus is depicted as a creature that possesses a unique and…

krampus christmas cards

Not all Santa legends are about the jolly old elf, Santa Claus. Some European tales have him traveling with an alter-ego.

Krampus, in central European popular legend, is a half-goat, half-demon monster that punishes misbehaving children at Christmastime. He is the devilish companion to St. Nicholas. Popular festivities involving Krampus include the Krampus run, in which costumed participates parade through the streets.

Besides appearances in local family homes, along with St. Nicholas, Krampus and his cohorts put on a show in the streets of many Austrian and Bavarian towns.