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✦ FROM THE DARKER SIDE OF CHRISTMAS ✦

Krampus logo

Santa believes everyone deserves another chance.
His brother isn't quite so forgiving.

THE LORD OF WINTER · KEEPER OF THE NAUGHTY LIST

Krampus figure with horns and fur coat in snow

WHO IS KRAMPUS?

Krampus is a brother to Santa Claus...kind of.

Long before Santa Claus became the figure we know today, there was Krampus — the mysterious Lord of Winter.

Krampus is an ancient shapeshifter whose story stretches back through the oldest winter traditions. Over the centuries he has taken many forms, but the horns, fur and unmistakably grumpy disposition have remained.

When Nicholas began spreading joy during the Winter Solstice Season, their paths crossed. Against all odds, the two became like brothers and, for many years, they celebrated Christmas together.

But Krampus saw Christmas rather differently.

While Santa searched for the Niceness in everyone, Krampus believed people's actions should have consequences. He began keeping records of behaviour, separating names according to who had been Naughty and who had been Nice.

And so, The Lists were born.

SANTA LOOKS FOR THE GOOD.KRAMPUS KEEPS THE SCORE.

SANTA & KRAMPUS

Brothers in Christmas. Divided by what it means.

For many years, Santa and Krampus travelled together during the Christmas season. While Santa brought joy and gifts, Krampus kept watch — recording the actions of those they encountered along the way.

What began as a simple record eventually became The Lists.

But as the years passed, their beliefs began to pull them apart. Krampus believed those who behaved badly should face the consequences. Santa believed something very different — that a Naughty act does not make someone a Naughty person, and that there is Niceness to be found in everyone.

Neither could convince the other.

Eventually, their paths divided. Santa continued Christmas his way, while Krampus remained the keeper of his own records — watching, judging and waiting for the one night each year when the darker side of Christmas is allowed to emerge.

SANTA CHOSE FORGIVENESS.
KRAMPUS CHOSE CONSEQUENCE.

Santa Claus and Krampus with gifts and children in snow
✦ 5th DECEMBER ✦
KRAMPUSNACHT

One night. One List. And Krampus is checking it.

Every 5th December, Krampusnacht marks the night when Krampus steps out of Santa's shadow and Christmas takes a decidedly darker turn.

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