Jeremy Barnes, AKA, Thirsty Daddy, has noticed a lot of wars being declared this holiday season. He has started one of his own. The War on Krampus. He explains.
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Besides this week’s Star Wars, the war on poverty, the Syrian Civil war, the war on drugs, and next summer’s Captain America: Civil War, there is another war that seems to be happening. One that I have apparently been unaware of. I refer, of course, to the War on Christmas.
From what I can surmise, the War on Christmas is being waged by godless heathen and liberal media to try and remove the actual word “Christmas” from the mainstream, instead turning the month of December into a “holiday season.”
I find this strange. We celebrate Christmas in our household, and so far nobody has knocked on our door and told us we can’t. I appreciate that, as I also try not to force my beliefs or customs on others that may choose to believe in different things or celebrate differently. From what I remember from history class, it’s kind of the idea that led to the settling of this country by our European forebearers.
From November first through January fifteenth, there are twenty-nine holidays celebrated by seven major religions. Unless someone is wearing a Yamaka or has a picture of Jesus on their sweater, I have a hard time identifying which of these any particular person may be celebrating. It strikes me as somewhat arrogant to assume that my holiday is the most important one and that anybody who feels differently is wrong, so I’m going to continue to say “Happy Holidays.”
Feel free to say the same to me. I’ll appreciate your attempt at the spreading of good cheer and promise not to be offended.
There are those who have been effectively banished from the season. Those who’s contributions are now completely ignored or celebrated only by a silent minority. I speak of The Companions of Saint Nicholas. Knecht Ruprecht, Krampus, Belsnickel, and Zwarte Piet.
Originating in German folklore, these characters are the origin for our tales of what happens to naughty children on Christmas. Furry creatures dresses all in black, these companions would accompany Santa from house to house in judgement of the world’s children. If they were found to be well behaved, Saint Nicholas would pass out sweets and presents.
Naughty children were given coal, sticks, and stones. If they were judged bad enough they would be beaten with chains and switches. A very naughty child would be thrown in a sack and taken to The Black Forest to be eaten.
There really is no “true” spirit of Christmas. No evidence that Jesus was actually born on this day. Like all holidays, it is a bastardization of centuries of folklore and tradition.
However you choose to celebrate the season, I hope it’s a good one. Spend time with your families, appreciate all that you have. Renew your commitment to be a better person. Smile at a stranger, wish them “Happy Holidays”, “Merry Christmas” or whatever you feel like saying. It’s all about being nice to each other.
Remember, Krampus is watching you.
Originally appeared on Thirsty Daddy.
Main Photo: Flickr/Wolfgang