Should I start doing krampus next year?

[GroundControlToMajorTomCat]

I have German roots and I want a bring a bit of fun folklore into the Christmas season. I was thinking about making the kids believe in both Santa and Krampus next year but a tad concerned over the whole ‘You will damned to hell if you don’t behave’ sort of thing, but willing to overlook if it makes them behave better lol. What do you all think?

Umm, no. We don't even say Santa is watching and never mention a naughty or nice list.

Do you mean at the beginning of December, getting the mox of presents and sticks? Mine found it funny.

However DH has seen a full in Alpine Kramous and found it disturbing

Take your kids to Whitby Krampus Run (see FB) next year. They'll be good as gold, and will behave impeccably after seeing Krampus up close 👹😆

I can’t tell if this is real or not…..

It's a little early to be planning next Christmas.

I don’t think it’s ever too early, some things need planning 😜

Rather depends on the ages of your DC.
The people who I have seen get the most enjoyment out of Krampus runs were aged about 20, in groups, able to wind each other up, and really liked a good bit of camp. It's in the same kind of way that people either love or hate being snapped at by (e.g.) a hobby horse head from UK folk dancing, or a bone horse in Wales, or pulled up on stage as part of pantomime entertainment - meant as fun but some will hate it from the first second and hate it if there is ever a time after that.

Fair enough then, crack on! I need to recover from this year before I begin to think about next year!

Having lived in Austria for 20 years I’ve mostly experienced this tradition as an excuse for men in masks to assault young women. Many of my friends in Salzburg took half days off work to avoid being outside too late. So I definitely wouldn’t focus on Krampus. If you want to celebrate St Nicholas and fill their shoes with sweets, why not.

Another vote for St Nicholas and having your shoes filled with sweets.