There were already established pagan traditions in the Alpine regions that became intertwined with Catholicism. Strohbart in Bavaria, Klaubauf(mann) in Austria and Bavaria, while Bartl or Bartel, Niglobartl, and Wubartl are used in the southern part of the country.

Masked devils acting boisterously and making nuisances of themselves are known in Germany since at least the sixteenth century while animal masked devils combining dreadful-comic ( schauriglustig) antics appeared in medieval church plays.

By about 1200, explained University of Manitoba historian Gerry Bowler, author of Santa Claus: A Biography, he became known as a patron of children and magical gift bringer because of two great stories from his life. Christmas markets in the Tyrolean Alps: Representing regional traditions in a newly created world of Christmas". Nowadays, however, people in many nations have Santa on their own naughty list, either because he represents the commercialization of Christmas at the expense of Christ or simply because he's not a local. Washington Irving's 1809 book Knickerbocker's History of New York first portrayed a pipe-smoking Nicholas soaring over the rooftops in a flying wagon, delivering presents to good girls and boys and switches to bad ones.

Attempts to displace Christmas in Russia were ultimately unsuccessful, as were Soviet attempts to spread a secular version of Grandfather Frost, complete with blue coat to avoid Santa confusion, across Europe. In smaller, more isolated villages, the figure has other beastly companions, such as the antlered "wild man" figures, and St Nicholas is nowhere to be seen.Santa Cruz Everslick® skateboard decks are the fastest sliding slick boards out and 5 times stronger than a standard 7 ply deck. Krampus disliked in Fascist Austria; Genial Black and Red Devil, Symbol of Christmas Fun, Is Frowned Upon". Santa's Grotto Experiences at 10 centres throughout the group, select your preferred garden centre here and book your tickets today. With this design’s woodland touch and beautifully lit lantern, he’s sure to add character and style to any home or cabin.