My brother informed me that this is "Krampusnacht." I do have quite a bit of German in my DNA (about 80 percent?) and I'm pretty sure nacht means night but I have never heard of Krampusnacht. I must admit, when I first read the word it sounded like something painful. Turns out I was kind of right. Of course I turned to Google to find out if this is some sort of celebration I'm missing out on. It turns out that a krampus is a horned anthropomorphic figure described as half goat, half demon who, during the Christmas season, punishes children who have been bad. Sort of the opposite of Santa Claus. The preferred punishment seems to be to give the child a stick instead of a gift. So, my children, if you put your breakfast plates on the table this evening before you go to bed, the krampus will come during the night (not sure if he does the chimney thing) and leave a gift on your plate if you've been good or a stick if you've been bad. Sweet dreams.
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