Folklore shows that Saint Nicholas had companions, one of which being a demon-like figure called The Krampus. Saint Nicholas and The Krampus were known walk street blocks together. Saint Nicholas delivered gifts to good children as The Krampus delivered coal and birch branches to not so good children.

Dressed in red and sporting a flowing white beard, the European image of St. Nicholas- or Father Christmas or - has much in common with his "cousin" Santa Claus. But it's not just "jolly old Saint Nick" who visits homes on Christmas Eve... At least not according to holiday tradition in Austria and Germany, where the good saint is accompanied on his rounds to bring gifts to good children by Krampus- a not-so-nice, demon-like creature who warns the naughty ones; you'll see him represented along with St. Nicholas on your travels to Christmas Markets throughout the region.