Join host John and his favorite guest, Rissa, as they delve into the eerie and lesser-known traditions surrounding Christmas. Discover the dark origins of the winter solstice and how it was once a time for terrifying tales and ominous figures. This episode explores the chilling legends of Christmas monsters that lurk in the shadows of history.

Rissa introduces us to the infamous Krampus, the Christmas demon who punishes naughty children, and Bell'nickel, the cranky enforcer of good behavior. The discussion takes a fascinating turn with tales of Iceland's Grya, the ogress with a penchant for eating her husbands, and her naughty offspring, the Yule Lads. Learn about the peculiar Yule Cat, who devours those who fail to receive new clothes for Christmas, and the judging Yule Goat, who assesses your holiday decorations.

The conversation doesn't stop there. Rissa shares the whimsical tradition of Spain's Tió de Nadal, the Christmas log that "poops" out gifts and candy when beaten with sticks. The episode also explores the mysterious Mari Lwyd, a rhyming horse skeleton that challenges you to a battle of wits.

From the mischievous Nisse of Sweden to the Mediterranean's Christmas vampires, this episode is packed with fascinating tales that reveal the spooky side of the holiday season. Rissa's captivating storytelling will give you a new perspective on Christmas traditions and a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of folklore surrounding this time of year.

00:00 - The Dairyland Frights podcast features guest Rissa. And one of my favorite guests

01:14 - John: Why don't we talk about some Christmas traditions

01:53 - Winter and the winter solstice especially were terrifying times of year

04:23 - There's a lot of debate about the actual origin of the Krampus

09:26 - Another Christmas tradition that comes from Germany is the Bell'nickel

13:31 - Fruit baskets were very traditional for so long because they would keep forever

16:01 - Iceland has many strange Christmas creatures, some very scary

20:02 - Christmas isn't the same anywhere. Even in the United States, we celebrate differently

21:15 - I have a question. Isn't there a story about an elf on Christmas

21:33 - Yule goat comes to judge you on decor and home age

24:44 - So I have a question about the porridge and the butter. Um, do they need real butter or can I use margarine

26:27 - Bel Nickel demanded something from you that was truly a token of appreciation

28:46 - So let's chec ono those Christmas vampires. They come later. They don't come early, like Krampus

32:00 - John: The Christmas log poops out candy for children in Spain

34:39 - The Mari lw is a rhyming horse skeleton that comes singing to your door

38:32 - John says he thinks Krampus should show up on Black Friday

39:41 - Mistletoe is a parasitic plant. And for that reason, people historically thought it was fertile

40:58 - There was a St. Nicholas. There was. Um, um, there was a true Saint Nicholas

42:39 - Like Germany, some people use candles on their Christmas trees

References:

https://www.teaandsmoke.com/

Krampus
[Krampus on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krampus)

 

Bellnickel
[Belsnickel on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belsnickel)

 

Yule Cat
[Yule Cat on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yule_cat)

 

The Office
[The Office TV Show](https://www.nbc.com/the-office)

 

The Santa Chronicles
[The Christmas Chronicles on IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2990140/)

 

Mari Lwyd
[Mari Lwyd on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mari_Lwyd)

 

Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol
[A Christmas Carol on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Christmas_Carol)