The story behind 'Krampus,' Santa's demonic helper who exists to scare children into being good

I have a vivid memory of my friend hanging off a door horizontally, her nails digging into the wooden frame as a giant, fur-covered beast with demonic red eyes and giant fangs pulled her outside into the cold December night.

A few feet away, a girl was sobbing while a horned monster whipped her.

Kids everywhere were screaming and crying, the Alpine house thrust into chaos as children scampered about seeking safety.

We were 8 years old, and the whole thing was arranged by our parents.

Krampusnacht, or Krampus Night, is an ancient Austrian tradition that is also celebrated in Germany, Hungary, Slovenia, and the Czech Republic. Basically, Santa, or Sankt Nikolaus (St. Nicholas), comes around with his devils (or Krampuses) in tow.

He is there to determine whether kids have been naughty or nice. In this case, being naughty has severe consequences: a run-in with his demon assistants.

Let's take a look at this insane tradition.