All over the world there are many faces to the man we know as Santa. However, a common theme in Europe is for to Santa to enlist the help of colleagues to do his dirty work.

Belgian children have two Santa Claus figures to contend with, St. Nicolas and Pere Noel. While these men are different, both Santas agree that good children shall receive presents whereas naughty ones will receive sticks. From http://www.santas.net/belgianchristmas.htm

In the Netherlands Sinterklaass (St. Nicholas) arrives with his helper Zwarte Piet. Zwarte Piet, otherwise known as Black Pete, threatens naughty children with transportation if they don’t behave. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zwarte_Piet

The Belsnickel in Germany is a companion of Santa Claus, who wears fur and has a long tongue. He is the one who gives coal to wicked children at Christmas. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belsnickel 

The Krampus in Croatia takes away naughty children’s Christmas gifts, leaving a silver branch in exchange. Good children get to keep their gifts and also receive a golden branch to mark their goodness.

The Hungarian Krampusz also has a liking for giving golden twigs, but they take the place of presents for naughty children.

In Austria, the Krampus is a terrifying figure whose purpose is to scare children. In a small town in Austria called Schladming, people gather dressed as the Krampus, wearing masks and goat haired cloaks as they parade through the town. The Krampus likes to beat out the bad in you with sticks so that the good can get in. View it here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ThSUOWeyFzQ

Find out more about the Krampus here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Companions_of_Saint_Nicholas
These legendary figures show us that parents Santa needs extra help with children’s behaviour management all over the world.

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