But our time with the beasts of ancient lore was not over. You see, once you’ve survived the Krampus, the thrill of meeting more only grows. So a few nights later we went to Margreid, an ancient wine village in South Tyrol’s Unterland, for the second oldest Krampus celebration in South Tyrol. The parade of Krampus poured into the night until no child was left unscared. We were blown away. Our first Krampus experience at the Christmas Market of Lake Carezza was everything we hoped it would be. At once a terrifying and oddly thrilling spectacle. Afterward, we calmed our pounding hearts with ample cups of Glühwein.

Materializing before us in the gloom was a Krampus the Devil surely spawned himself. Four immense horns rose like a crown from a hulking figure covered in gnarls of fur not even a grizzly bear would dare groom. In the final touches, demonic glass eyes and horns are added to the mask. The horns are often the real deal. Coming from goats in the region. Ultimately, the mask is primed and painted with oil and acrylic strokes, transforming the wood into a living, breathing beast. A soft inner padding is then often added providing a layer of comfort for the would-be mask wearer. The house is then revealed to be inside a snow globe in Krampus' lair, among many others, giving two possible implications:

Rauhnächte and Krampus masks

Remaining in the path of this looming evil was not wise. We dashed to the fence. No way were we going to be caught in the chaos of Krampus in South Tyrol.

Upon arriving home, Tom and Howard try to calm the family, saying they will board up the doors and windows and have a camp out in the living room. Tom's Austrian mother by the name of Omi warns Tom to keep the fire in the fireplace going. However, Howard falls asleep while he is keeping watch, and the fire goes out. Krampus lowers a hook with one of his minions, a living gingerbread man, which captures Howie Jr., despite the rest of the family trying to save them. During this, they accidentally light their Christmas tree on fire. Following this, Omi tells the rest of the family her knowledge on Krampus: Krampus' real face is never fully shown in the film, only the mask-like feature on his face. However, both his eyes and mouth can be seen. You don’t have to just give Krampus bells away on Krampusnacht, you can also RING the Krampus bells! Traditionally, the Perchten and Krampuses are known to wear or carry bells with them through the procession. This custom wards off evil and purifies the town. I’d surmise the bells are also a warning the Christmas devil is coming close. Ringing bells in your home acts as a cleansing method as old as time. 9. Krampus Décor

Eventually, the Krampus legend evolved into a tale to encourage children to behave. According to Christian folklore, they are demonic creatures, half-man, half-animal. Conquered by St. Nicholas, he demanded their obedience making them part of his legion.