One great thing about holidays with pagan roots is that, no matter how sanitized they may seem today, it doesn’t take too much digging to turn up some really interesting ways to celebrate.

Over at Mind on Fire, xJane has posted a nice piece on Santa’s creepy demonic helper Krampus, including an anecdote about her own experience with a Krampuslauf.

suddenly, the door banged open, and a number of demons invaded. They roared, shook their chains, and rang their bells. If they spoke at all, it was in heavy dialect. They got free drinks (because, as a bar tender, it’s probably a good idea to appease the demons who happen to arrive at your door), which they half drank and half spilled. They were dirty, smelly, and terrifying. They dragged a few people from the bar, screaming and struggling…

That is one hell of a long way from mistletoe and tinsel.

xJane mentions that a bit of googling will turn up lots more information and photos, and that Etsy has some cute Krampus plushies and other items. I’m rather partial to these earrings.

If you’re looking to inject a little spookiness into a too-bland holiday celebration, Krampus might give you an excellent excuse.