Gumbo Ya Ya Krampus-Santa Holiday Edition

by Denise Alvarado

Who knew there are as many versions of Santa Claus and his sidekicks as there are cultures that celebrate Yuletide? From the Netherlands' white horse called Schimmel to the donkey of France and the Angels of Czechoslovakia, the companions of St. Nicholas run the gamut from beast to celestial being to human thug, from benevolent helper to scary monster. Whatever their form and demeanor, St. Nick's companions travel alongside him to help him get the job of gift-giving done. And as for Krampus? He is often referred to as the Christmas devil because he travels with St. Nicholas in chains and bells punishing children who have misbehaved. According to lore, the naughty children are taken away to his lair, some say to Hell itself, and crammed in cages or chained.

140 pages, Paperback

Published December 29, 2016

About the author

Independent scholar, ritual artist and prolific author of Southern folk magic, spiritual traditions and culture. I create art and describe my life experiences as a Creole woman growing up in the Hoodoo capitol of the World, New Orleans, Louisiana. That said, my life experiences are by no means limited to New Orleans as I have been all over the world and currently call Arizona my home.

Please visit my website: Creole Moon

Reviews

[Cendrena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about so much more than Krampus, which I first heard about in 1990. Denise Alvarado explains different cultures and their traditions that were passed down from generations. From Krampus, Saint Nicholas, The Yule Cat, Thirteen Trolls , and more it's in here. She included a few recipes as well. Some of these stories if I heard them as a child it would have kept me off the naughty list for sure. I enjoyed this book. :)