Krampusnacht

If it's time for what some people call Advent, then it's time in parts of German and Austria for Krampusnacht. Krampus is St. Nicholas' dark half, the bad cop enforcer of Christmas virtue who whips naughty children and carries the worst away to his evil lair.

In early December many towns in Austria and southern Germany celebrate Krampus' arrival with parades and bonfires. Nothing like a good excuse to dress up as a demon and frighten children. I suppose these demonic nights are part of the same onset of winter tradition as Halloween and other old, scary holidays.

These pictures are from a wonderful collection at the Atlantic.