In Italy, we have the Befana. She isn’t exactly an anti-Santa, but rather an old woman who travels on a broomstick (resembling a witch). On January 6th, children hang up a stocking, and the Befana fills it with treats or coal, depending on their behavior.
Indeed! I thought to include her, but left her out because she's more centered around Epiphany than Christmas. Still a good amount of crossover though, for sure
I like them all. I would like Neil Gaiman to do a Christmas short story like his “American Gods” novel starring these characters, but set in a 20th century American context. If anyone here knows him, please email him. He has 9 days left, I am sure a writer of his talents could crank it right out:)
In Italy, we have the Befana. She isn’t exactly an anti-Santa, but rather an old woman who travels on a broomstick (resembling a witch). On January 6th, children hang up a stocking, and the Befana fills it with treats or coal, depending on their behavior.
Indeed! I thought to include her, but left her out because she's more centered around Epiphany than Christmas. Still a good amount of crossover though, for sure
Yikes! Thanks for the nightmares.🤪
You forgot Balck Pete in The Netherlands/Belgium: https://www.bol.com/nl/nl/p/zwarte-sinterklazen/9200000033283641/
I like them all. I would like Neil Gaiman to do a Christmas short story like his “American Gods” novel starring these characters, but set in a 20th century American context. If anyone here knows him, please email him. He has 9 days left, I am sure a writer of his talents could crank it right out:)
Also Patricia Briggs, the popular occult fantasy novelist.
Everything has a dark side, Christmas included. The Icelandic traditions are particularly interesting.
You may not be aware of the more recent American entry:
https://cather.unl.edu/writings/shortfiction/ss032
This reminds me of when Dwight Schrute dressed up as Belsnickel on The Office. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkb2B6OCIY4
See more about this theme: https://youtu.be/LK3t2nO4TBo?si=bnMhBmvIF8iFL7di