Masquerade - Austria

In fairness this once mythical now largely theatrical creature was not confined to any one country but figured prominently in the culture of the Alpine region in general, Austrian traditions simply favor the Krampus more strongly. Even sourpuss political regimes who frowned upon this tradition, such as the Austrofascists, could not kill this ancient figure within their subjects' imaginations. During the first two weeks of December, many men dress as the Krampus and roam the streets menacingly as a warning to children of what may befall them if they should behave wickedly; a punishing counterpart to the dullard St. Nicholas. How much more interesting Christmas must be in the alps, in comparison to the utterly depressing holiday drivel that I am awash in every goddamn December on this side of the Atlantic. Winter ought to be a time to take in and relish the gloom and be reminded that you must and will die, and be all the wiser for knowing this. At least this point is not lost everywhere. In fact, anyone who sees this post, who possesses any remotely formidable artistic talent whatsoever, please take up your craft next December and pay visual tribute to the Krampus,  placing your efforts within the looking distance of the public eye. Lets not allow these sterile minded, soulless yuppies and their fat, spoiled kids (in dire need of a visit from the Krampus) to anesthetize every aspect of Winter with their wretched hallmark holidays.