The Darker Side of Santa

Looking for a gift for all those naughty little boys and girls in your life?

I have found the stocking stuffer....coal soap in a personalized bag available from PoofyCheeks Etsy Shop

We have all heard the threat used by some parents at Christmas time in an attempt to make naughty children behave...."If you don't do what Mommy says Santa will leave "coal in your stocking."

That phrase originates with someone named Belsnickle.
In Pensylvania Dutch communities, Belsnickle is a mythical being who visits children at Christmas. If you have been a bad boy or girl you will find coal or switches in your stockings.
The Belsnickel was a creature to be feared, well loved only by parents wanting good boys and girls....you better watch out...no pouting allowed!

And if that doesn't make you a believer meet Krampus.I wonder what it says on the back of this card...."Merry Christmas, Peter. This is what happens when you talk back to Mommy...enjoy the ride!"

Krampus is part of Austrian folklore. If you have been a naughty child, instead of gifts at Christmas, you may be subjected to a beating with a switch, or God for bid, a rusty chain! How evil is that? It gets worse...if you are really bad he might pop you into a sack, and throw you into the river!

And then there is the lesser of these two evils....

Zwarte Pieten
A much more tame character popular in the Netherlands. No abuse for misbehaving by Zwarte Piet...Piet will just confiscate your Christmas booty and tote it away in his huge dufflebag to Spain...Spain?...whats that all about, must be politically inspired.

So you better watch out, you better not cry or you may get a visit from the darker side of Santa.

Just in case you didn't know...there is also an Evil Easter Bunny