From Krampus to a KFC-fueled Christmas, here's a look at some of the world's most fascinating holiday traditions.
Countries around the world have unique end-of-year customs they've practiced for decades or even centuries. For instance, several Central European countries honor St. Nick's evil counterpart, Krampus, a supernatural figure charged with punishing bad children by leaving lumps of coal in their Christmas stockings or whacking them with a birch switch.
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Krampus, Central Europe
St. Nick’s devil-like counterpart, Krampus — celebrated throughout Germany, Austria, Czechia, Slovenia, and Hungary — has one task: to punish bad children before the feast of St. Nicholas on December 6. Picture a frightening half-goat demon figure, often seen with fur and horns. And instead of carrying a bag full of toys, he has a basket or sack for abducting especially naughty children and hauling them back to hell. You can experience this holiday tradition at Krampusnacht parades and parties, during which rowdy revelers cavort around town in beastly costumes.