The story of old Saint Nic and his reindeers is lovely and all but like everything in life, there has to be some balance.
While the threat of coal filled stockings can scare many a child during the festive season, some far more terrifying tactics were put into place across the globe when it comes to ensuring the young family members were good boys and girls at Christmas time. But they were just myths and legends, right?
Well, depending on what you believe, a number of a Christmas myths, monsters and legends still exists across Europe and beyond, with ghouls, child eating hags and even witches raining their merry Hell on those who did not abide by the rules of Christmas.
While we hope you never have to meet them, here are 10 of the scariest Christmas monsters you could bump into this December, if you’re unlucky.
5. Grýla
Bit of a theme going on here...however, Iceland own's Grýla is another Christmas monster who enjoys munching on children at Christmas time. Folklore says Grýla is a giantess, with the earliest tales describing her as a parasitic beggar who would walk around asking parents to give her their disobedient children. Photo: Creative Commons 2.0
6. Jólakötturinn
Jólakötturinn is part of a family of nightmarish characters from Icelandic Christmas folklore. Jólakötturinn is 'The Yule Cat', the feline pet of Grýla and her child eating sons 'The Yule Lads'. Jólakötturinn was not a cute little kitty but a large beast with whiskers that tore into skin like blades, fireball eyes and terrible claws that consumed any child who did not receive new clothes on Christmas Day. Charming. Photo: Creative Commons 2.0
7. Stekkjastaur and The Yule Lads
Son of Grýla, Stekkjastaur was the first of 13 mischievous troll like characters who live somewhere up in the mountains in Iceland. These monsters make their way down from the mountains a day at a time starting on December 12 until Christmas eve. Icelandic children leave their shoes by the window and are treat to a treat if they're good - but a potato if they have been bad. Stekkjastaur is the first to arrive and most famous, with his story told by famous Icelandic poem Yule Lad Peom by Jóhannes úr Kötlum. Photo: AFP
8. Befana
Italian Christmas time would not be complete with the legend of Befana. While many Christmas monsters and myths strike fear, Befana is a good soul, even if her appearance indicates differently. She has wrinkled skin, warts, black shawl and flying broomstick but it actually more similar to Santa Claus in personality, with Befana is said to leave presents (or coal) at houses for children depending on their behaviour throughout the year. Photo: Franco Origlia