While Christmas is known for bright lights and merriment, the winter holiday has its own collection of dark stories. These tales are full of made-up monsters based on real history, or created to enforce life lessons—like the Christmas Cannibal of France, the misunderstood “female Krampus,” and the Yule cat that roams the Icelandic countryside, snatching up naughty children.
This holiday season, explore the dark side of Christmas with our favorite stories of creepy creatures below.
by Suzie Dundas
Socks and sweaters are often considered by children to be boring Christmas gifts. In Iceland, though, they are highly cherished—and could even save a life. The yule cat, a creature devised for keeping children in line, roams the Icelandic countryside on Christmas Eve, eating up any child not wearing a new article of clothing. Essentially, it’s an incentive for kids to earn some new socks by being good. Because if they don’t, they could face the cat Jólakötturinn’s wrath.
by Victoria Linchong
Throughout much of Central Europe, a Christmas witch called Frau Perchta haunts the darkest nights of the year. She goes by many names, and is featured in many different stories. In some tales, she’s a witch in white robes. In others, she’s a web-footed crone trailed by spirits of unbaptized children carrying a pitcher of mothers’ tears. This “female Krampus” may be misunderstood, though, as some argue she’s not just a wicked witch—but a forgotten goddess.
by Anna Richards
December 6, or the weekend after, is celebrated as St. Nicholas Day across many European countries. While elves, reindeer, and Mrs. Claus are common sidekicks for Santa Claus, his predecessor, St. Nicholas, is said to be accompanied by an evil counterpart designed to frighten children into good behavior. How did St. Nicholas get paired with a whip-wielding cannibal? The answer starts over 1,500 years ago with the origin of Santa Claus and evolved over the centuries, thanks to a miraculous medieval battle in France, a heavy sprinkle of rumors, and some extraordinary embellishments.
by Gemma Tarlach
As Santa’s sinister sidekick, Krampus may be one of the more well-known Christmas monsters. In some stories, St. Nicholas and the demon figure go door to door spreading cheer—and fear—by testing residents on their catechism (possibly in an attempt to root out Protestants). The lore of this goat-demon creature evolved and spread from his Alpine birthplace, and by the 19th century he had made his way onto postcards in Austria.
by Emma Cieslik
A massive, bull-like figure symbolizing virility was once a staple in Polish Christmas tradition. Based on aurochs, an ancient bovine that went extinct in the 17th century, Turoń has silver horns and a nail-pierced jaw. And though his appearance may be off-putting, his intentions are good. Unlike other European winter creatures, he does not dole out punishment. Instead, says folklorist Ewa Masłowska, Turoń brings blessings of fertility, including a good harvest for the year ahead.
by Sarah Elizabeth Troop
Looking to meet some more Christmas monsters? There’s the 13 yule lads—not to be confused with Snow White’s dwarves—who serve their mother, Gryla, a giant Icelandic troll with an appetite for children. Don’t forget Straggele, who rides with demonic-looking helpers to gobble up offerings from the people of Perchta, Switzerland. And get to know Belsnickel, who shows up during Advent, dressed in rags, looking to—what else?—punish children.
