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Santa; Who he is and how to work with him this Christmas

Santa Claus, a beloved symbol of the holiday season, and one of the most well known mythical beings today. He has captured the hearts of people around the world. But who is Santa Claus? Santa Claus hasn’t always been the jolly, red-suited, rotund, grandfatherly gift-giver with a reindeer-drawn sleigh we all know and love. Depictions of Santa have evolved over time, influenced by stories and legends about St. Nicholas, Sinterklaas, and Father Christmas, and perpetuated by centuries of gift cards, stories, advertisements, posters, and movies. Let’s sled into the glittering, snow covered, mythical roots and global legacy of Santa Claus together in this blogpost and article.

Who is Santa?

To most Santa, is the jolly old man of winter, who has been bringing cheer and joy to the world for centuries. From the North Pole, he sets off each year on a magical journey, spreading happiness and gifts to the young and old alike. Santa is a radical optimist with a big heart. He sets his sights on not only his biggest dream but, those of every small child on Earth. He does this and trusts that it will all work out just fine year after year. His idealism is matched by his unstoppable energy and passion to get so much done all for the joy of everyone else. He is encouraging, loving, and supportive of children’s wishes. While the looming threat of a coal-stained stocking is still there encouraging them to behave. Santa is the joy and comfort and motivating them with love and encouragement. His friendly nature, open mind, and energetic spirit help make the holiday season the joyful time it is while reminding us of the importance to give.

Other names for Santa

  • Saint Nicholas
  • Saint Nick
  • Father Christmas
  • Kris Kringle
  • Sinterklaas
  • Odin

What does Santa look like?

Santa is generally depicted as a pot bellied, jolly, white-bearded, grandfatherly man, often with spectacles, wearing a red coat with white fur collar and cuffs, white-fur-cuffed red trousers, a red hat trimmed with white fur, a black leather belt and boots, carrying a bag full of gifts for children. In many of the depictions now, we also see him in his reindeer drawn sleigh flying across the winter night skies. This modern image of Santa Claus most us know now was influenced by Clement Clark Moore’s 1822 poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” and the illustrations of Haddon Sundblom for The Coca-Cola Company. But, NO Coca-Cola does not OWN the image of Santa exclusively nor did they create him. Let’s talk about where his ancient and many origins and possible influences actually do come from next.

Santa as Odin

Although Santa Claus is primarily based upon St. Nicholas, a 4th-century Christian bishop from Lycia (now in Turkey)which we will talk about next. The oldest origin of Santa I can find goes as far back as 2 b.c.e., and is also strongly influenced by the white bearded, old man, flying across the sky on an 8 legged steer during winter time; the Norse all father Odin. Already doesn’t that sound familiar? Not only do they look similar but, quite a few of their legends and myths are similar as well. Let’s talk about them below!

  • Let’s start with their steeds. Many believe Odin may be where Santa gets his reindeer inspiration from. Since, Odin was often depicted as leading a hunting party through the skies ( the wild hunt), during which he rode his eight-legged horse, Sleipnir.
  • Next, during the winter solstice when the wild hunt would roar across the skies, the Norse and Germanic children placed their boots near the chimney, filling them with carrots or straw as a gift for Sleipnir. Quite similar to children doing the same for Santa’s reindeer today or leaving our milk and cookies for Santa Claus. Plus some believe this may even be where the tradition to hang stockings above the fireplace comes from.
  • Lastly, with the wild hunt coming by one way to protect would be wassailing or singing songs to Odin when going from door to door or in orchards. Sound familiar again? It’s quite common to go caroling welcoming Santa on Christmas night.

Santa and Saint Nicholas

Many elements of Santa Claus, especially his reputation as a secret giver of gifts, can originate back to Saint Nicholas, a real historical figure and human being that walked this realm.

The name Santa Claus, which was first used in 1773, is a variant on Sinterklaas, the Dutch name for Saint Nicholas. ( we will talk about him later) He was known in his own lifetime as Nikolaos of Myra. Nikolaos was born on March 15, 270 AD, to a well-off Christian Greek family living in a region of the Roman Empire that is part of modern Turkey. While historians and scholars don’t agree on all parts of his biography, he was definitely a bishop who is best known for his role in the First Council of Nicaea. He was known for his deep generosity as well, with some believing he gave away his entire inheritance left to him by his wealthy Christian Greek parents when they died during an epidemic. It’s said he did this believing it was the way Jesus truly wanted us to live. He also was known for giving generous gifts in secret. Supposedly, Nikolaos would throw toys into children’s windows and leave coins in their shoes.

Nicholas who was later elevated to a saint is said to have lived a life of prayer, generosity, and fought in strong defense of the Christian faith in the name of the Catholic church. He was even imprimisoned by the Roman emperor Diocletian around the year 300. Some even consider him a martyr when he died around the year 343. Within a century of his death he was elevated to Sainthood and celebrated as a saint. Today he is venerated in the East as wonder, or miracle worker and in the West as patron of a great variety of persons-children, mariners, bankers, pawn-brokers, scholars, orphans, laborers, travelers, merchants, judges, paupers, marriageable maidens, students, children, sailors, victims of judicial mistakes, captives, perfumers, even thieves and murderers! He is known as the friend and protector of all in trouble or need. Some connect him solely to Christianity and the Roman Catholic Church, while others see him more as an ascended master and universal energy.

Myths of Saint Nicholas

Saint Nicholas was known for being a very kind man and had a reputation for helping the poor and giving secret gifts to people who needed it. There are several legends about St. Nicholas, but kindness and generosity is a common theme among them all. He is also seen as patron and protector of many including the little children everywhere we hold so dear. First up, the most famous story about St. Nicholas some believe is another version of where we get the custom of hanging up stockings to put presents in first started! It goes like this:

There was a poor man in a small village who had three daughters. The man was so poor that he did not have enough money for a dowry, so his daughters couldn’t get married. (A dowry is a sum of money paid to the bridegroom by the bride’s parents on the wedding day. This still happens in some countries, even today.) One night, Nicholas secretly dropped a bag of gold down the chimney and into the house . this meant that the oldest daughter was then able to be married. Unintentionally, the bag fell into a stocking that had been hung by the fire to dry. When the family woke and found the coins they were overjoyed and the oldest daughter was married off right away. But, the father wanted to know who it was he could thank. Soon, it was time for the second daughter to be wed. The same thing happened again with the second daughter. Again the family was thankful and the second daughter was married off with joyful hearts right away. Finally, determined to discover the person who had given him the money, the father secretly hid by the fire every evening until he caught Nicholas dropping in a bag of gold for his third daughter to be wed. Nicholas begged the man to not tell anyone what he had done, because he did not want to bring attention to himself. But of course the father did keep quiet and soon the news got out and when anyone received a secret gift, it was thought that maybe it was from Nicholas himself.

Another story tells of three theological students, traveling on their way to study in Athens. A wicked innkeeper robbed and murdered them, hiding their remains in a large pickling tub. It so happened that Nicholas was traveling along the same route, and stopped at this very inn. (Synchronicity maybe?) In the night he dreamed of the crime, got up, and summoned the innkeeper to his room. Where he asked him about the incident, when the innkeeper denied anything Nick fell to his knees to begin to pray. As Nicholas prayed earnestly to God the three boys were restored to life no longer chopped into pieces even and fully whole. In France the story has a little bit of a different version. It is told about three small children instead of theological students. The three small children, were wandering around as they played until they got lost. Then as they were stumbling around trying to find their way they were lured, and captured by an evil butcher. St. Nicholas appears suddenly, finding the boys bodies sealed in barrels . He then appeals to God to return them to life and to their families, which he does.

One of the oldest stories showing St. Nicholas as a protector of children takes place long after his death. The townspeople of Myra were celebrating the good saint on the eve of his feast day when a band of Arab pirates from Crete came into the district. They stole treasures from the Church of Saint Nicholas and left to bring them back to their ship as booty. As they were leaving town, they snatched a young boy, Basilios, to make into a slave as well. The emir, or ruler, selected Basilios to be his personal cupbearer. So, for the next year Basilios waited on the king, bringing his wine in a beautiful golden cup. During this entire time Basilios’ parents, devastated at the loss of their only child spent filled with grief. As the next St. Nicholas’ feast day approached, Basilios’ mother decided she would not join in the festivity, as it was now the year mark of a day of tragedy. However, she was persuaded to have a simple observance at home—with quiet prayers for Basilios’ safekeeping. Meanwhile, at the same time Basilios was fulfilling his tasks serving the emir, when all of a sudden he whisked up and away. St. Nicholas appeared to the terrified boy, blessed him, and set him down at his home back in Myra. This is known as the first story told of St. Nicholas protecting children.

Patron of Sailors

Several stories tell of Nicholas and the sea. When he was young, Nicholas sought the holy and to be close to the divine by making a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. There as he walked where Jesus walked, he sought to more deeply connect to the experience of Jesus’ life, passion, and resurrection. Returning by sea, a mighty storm threatened to wreck the ship. Nicholas calmly prayed. The terrified sailors were amazed when the wind and waves suddenly calmed, sparing them all. Another legend argues that sailors on their way to the Holy Land were caught in a horrible storm and prayed to St. Nicholas. They then saw an image of him in the clouds and the storm ended. Either way, St. Nicholas is the patron of sailors, dockworkers, and others involved with the sea for this reason.

Saint Nicholas Day

Otherwise I have found places celebrating him on the eve of Saint Nicholas day during Krampusnacht while celebrating Krampus. This day is a holiday honoring the historical figure Saint Nicholas, a bishop known for his secret acts of generosity, particularly towards children in need. After his death in 343, it became traditional to observe Saint Nicholas’s Day on December 6 by giving gifts. People also often celebrate by leaving out shoes or stockings on the eve of the holiday to find small gifts like sweets, coins, or oranges inside, symbolizing the story of St. Nicholas leaving gold coins in the stockings of poor girls to help them get married we talked about above.

Other ways to celebrate

  • Attend a Saint Nicholas day parade if you can
  • Hang a socking over a mantle or place a boot in front of a fireplace and hearth
  • Give gifts to a an unmarried women- In Italy, children aren’t the only ones receiving gifts on Saint Nicholas’ Day, unmarried women make the list. Across Italy, unmarried women might attend a special mass on St. Nicholas’ Day to participate in Rito delle nubili, a ritual where they turn a column seven times to help change their luck in finding a spouse. This is because Saint Nick is also the Patron saint to protect virgins.
  • Host and have a Saint Nicholas day feast
  • Work with and celebrate Krampus his companion bring in another side to protection this holiday season.
  • Dress as a bishop: In Germany and Poland, boys traditionally dress as bishops and collect money for the poor
  • Study and read about Saint Nicholas’s life and myths
  • If you practice Christianity attend a church service
  • Be generous and give to others. You can do this by donating your things, time, or money. Hold a food or clothing drive. Volunteer your time to an organization or cause that means a lot to you.

Sinterklaas

Ways to celebrate Sinterklaas

Built around the image of Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of children, Sinterklass (the name resulting from the contraction of Sint Nikolaas) is a legendary Christmas figure celebrated and loved in the Netherlands. Although similar to Santa Claus in that he is an older man with a full, white beard who wears a red outfit, Sinterklass is a more serious figure, donning a bishop’s headdress and carrying a long, curled golden shepherd’s staff. The Dutch celebrate the Feast of Sinterklaas honoring the life of St. Nicholas. Sinterklaas arrives in the Netherlands by boat from Spain on December 5th, the eve of Saint Nicholas’ feast day. He rides a white horse and carries a book that tells him which children were good or bad that year. Sinterklaas brings gifts to good children, and sometimes a switch to bad children. The tradition of “putting your shoe” involves children leaving their shoes out for Sinterklaas to fill with gifts. After England conquered the city in the 17th century, Sinterklaas gradually became Santa Claus.

  • Read poems outloud
  • Sing songs
  • Attend a Parade in Holland that occurs annually on December 6th
  • A knock on the door at night, letting children open it to find a pile of gifts
  • Gift people with a “surprise”. The “surprise,” is a homemade gag gift that hides another present inside.
  • Participate in Secret Santa in your home, your work, or your school or kids school
  • Use kitchen magic to bake Sinterklaas deserts, baked goods, and candies
  • Leave shoes near your front door, hearth, or chimney

Santa and Christmas

We can’t talk about Santa whose influenced is heavily based on a Catholic Saint who followed Christianity without talking about Christmas. He is considered by many far and wide to be the traditional patron of Christmas especially in the United States and other countries. To those who celebrate Christmas he is a legendary figure who is widely recognized as the gift-giver on Christmas Eve, embodying the spirit of generosity and joy associated with the holiday.

So, what is Christmas in case you don’t practice Christianity or celebrate this holiday in your part of the world. Christmas is celebrated on the 25th of December. It is a holiday to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, who, according to the Christian religion, is the son of God. The name is a joining of “Christ” and “mass” which means the holy mass (supper, celebration or festival) of Christ. Christmas is a time to exchange gifts with family and friends. It’s also a time to give thanks for the love, hope, and joy found in Jesus. Many things that Christians do at Christmas come from earlier Pagan festivals like Saturnalia, the winter solstice, and Yule.

Father Christmas

Father Christmas is the traditional English name for the personification of Christmas. Although now known as a Christmas gift-bringer, and typically considered to be synonymous with Santa Claus, he was originally part of a much older and unrelated English folkloric tradition. Until Victorian times, Father Christmas was concerned with adult feasting and merry-making. He had no actual connection with children, or with the giving of presents, night time visits, stockings, chimneys or reindeer. But as later Victorian Christmases developed into child-centric family festivals, Father Christmas became a bringer of gifts. Then the popular American myth of Santa Claus arrived in England in the 1850s and Father Christmas started to take on Santa Claus’s attributes and often times the two are now referred to interchangeably.

Other Entities associated with Santa

We can’t talk about Santa without talking about the legion of mythical characters surrounding him and that even live in his home. He lives at the North Pole with not only his wife Mrs. Claus, but also his elves who make the toys, and his reindeer who pull his sleigh. Let’s explore the magic of each of these more next.

His Reindeer

I think almost every child spends Christmas night lying in bed listening for the magical hoofbeats of Santa’s reindeer landing up above. Santa’s reindeer are magical creatures that live at the North Pole and help Santa. On Christmas Eve, Santa and his reindeer embark on their most important mission of the year: delivering presents to all the children of the world in one night.They visit every house where there are children who believe in Santa Claus, regardless of their location, culture or religion.

The idea of Santa’s reindeer flying through the sky in a sleigh was popularized by Clement Clark Moore’s 1823 poem, A Visit from St. Nicholas. The imagery in the poem may have been influenced by Norse and Germanic mythology, where Thor, the God of Thunder, soared through the sky in a chariot pulled by two magical goats. It described how St Nicholas arrived on a sleigh pulled by eight reindeer named Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donder (later changed to Donner) and Blitzen.

The most famous of the reindeer is Rudolph who was introduced in 1939 by Robert L May, an employee of Montgomery Ward department store. He wrote a story about a young reindeer who had a shiny red nose that glowed in the dark. In it, Rudolph was teased for being different by the other reindeer and then one foggy Christmas Eve, he was asked by Santa to lead the sleigh and help guide him in the night. Rudolph went on to be a hero – and accepted by his fellow reindeer. The story was printed as a booklet and distributed to millions of children as a promotional gift by the store. In 1949, May’s brother-in-law Johnny Marks wrote a song based on the story; Rudolph the red nosed reindeer, and it later became a hit record by Gene Autry.

Elves

In English-speaking cultures, Christmas elves are a huge part of the Christmas holiday. They live with Santa Claus at the North Pole and act as his helpers. In many of the songs, poems, and stories, Santa’s elves are often said to make the toys in Santa’s workshop and take care of his reindeer, among many other tasks. Christmas elves are usually depicted as green- or red-clad, with large, pointy ears and wearing pointy hats. They are most often depicted as humanoids, but sometimes as furry mammals with tails. They were first introduced in literature by Louisa May Alcott in 1856. The image of the elves in the workshop was popularized by Godey’s Lady’s Book, with a front cover illustration for its 1873 Christmas issue showing Santa surrounded by toys and elves. The origins of the elf are thought to have been derived from Norse mythology, which refers to the álfar, also known as huldufólk ‘hidden folk’ who are similar to the Celtic fae. The elf character is most likely to have been created from a combination of this Norse legend with the house spirits named brownies in Scottish mythology and legends.

Mrs. Claus

Mrs. Claus is the wife of Santa Claus. Her role and character traits vary, but she is generally depicted as a kind, nurturing, and a supportive partner who helps Santa manage the operations at the North Pole. This includes taking care of the elves, managing the toy production, and sometimes baking cookies. She is often portrayed as a maternal figure with a warm personality, enhancing the festive and family-oriented atmosphere of Christmas lore. Mrs. Claus has become an integral part of holiday traditions and stories, particularly in American and European Christmas culture. The first time that there is reference to Santa having a wife is not until in an 1848 short story called “The Christmas Legend” by a writer called James Rees. In the story, two elderly strangers, who turn out to be Mr and Mrs Claus, seek shelter at a house on a long journey. After Mrs Claus asks some questions, they find out that one of their daughters had died. The next morning, they wake to find a house full of presents.

Krampus

In the chilly shadows of European winter folklore (primarily Germanic), the figure of Krampus emerges, distinct with his horns, terrifying hairy body and sinister snarling face. Krampus is a terrifying winter devil who accompanies Saint Nicholas. Krampus punishes the naughty children with spankings, and sometimes his punishments are so severe he even drowns, eats, or carries them off to Hell. While St. Nicholas (St. Nikolaus in Germany) is famous for giving gifts and rewards to the righteous, it’s Krampus’s job to strike fear into the hearts of the wicked. To learn all about Krampus check out my previous blogpost here.

Santa and duality

Since I am a grey witch every single energy I work with I look at how it can help me maintain balance and how it can represent the cosmic energy of duality. Not gonna lie this was a hard one for a bit for me to be able to look into the spirit of Santa and see the duality. But, after some time working with him in the shadows of the holiday season I was finally able to understand the essence of duality he offers us to see. While Santa is a spirit of happiness and kindness, and he represents a loving feeling that comes from being together and doing kind things for each other. He is that reminder at the end of one year closing and a new one unfolding of how important sharing kindness with others is to not only us but, the collective as well. While that reminder can lead to some increased feeling of love , joy and community it can also cause guilt and point out our major flaws in society as well. We can feel guilty for what we do have that others don’t or we can feel guilty for not doing enough during the entire year. It can also show us just how harsh and lacking our world we live in can be to so many of those around us that we usually choose not to see. Lastly, he may make you feel lacking in abundance if you are in a circumstance in life where you aren’t able to give the gifts you’d like to those you love during this holiday season. Especially if you have little ones in your home.

Correspondences to connect with Santa

First, what is a correspondence? A correspondence is an item or symbol that is meant to connect you to a specific energy thru it’s representation. It is seen also as an item to respect, honor, and venerate that energy as well whether it be an archetype energy , or the zodiac energy the moon is currently, or like a figure like Santa, I will list below. Follow your intuition and use what speaks to you!

  • Animal-reindeer, polar bear, penguins, mice, goats, lambs, cows, donkeys, kangaroos
  • Planet- Jupiter & Saturn
  • Element-Water & Air
  • Sex-Masculine
  • Zodiac-Capricorn & Pisces
  • Symbol- Red suit and hat, Reindeer, Sleigh, bells, candy canes, wreaths, mistletoe, Christmas tree, stars, gifts, the north pole, stockings, boots, chimneys, coins, spirits, elves, snowflakes
  • colors-red, black, white, silver, gold
  • Themes- protection, Christmas, spirits/ghosts, kindness, children, family, fertility, transition, generosity, charity, reflection, motivation, magic, abundance, wishes, dreams, materialism
  • Herbs- willow leaves, tundra plants, mushrooms, rosemary, thyme, sage, ginger, frankincense, myrrh, cinnamon, lavender, horehound, pennyroyal, bedstraw, chamomile, sweet woodruff
  • Stones/ crystals-garnet, ruby, black tourmaline, obsidian, emerald, malachite, pyrite, gold, silver, coal, clear quartz, Amethyst, rose quartz,
  • Food-milk, cookies, carrots, hot cocoa, gingerbread, beer, rice pudding, breads, cheeses, salami, shepherds pie, dried fruit, deviled eggs

Ways to work with Santa

If after reading this blog post and learning all about the cheerful, and generous Santa. and you want to work with him this holiday season. Especially after learning he is actually based on a human being who either ascended or at the very least was elevated to Sainthood among the church. You can start by adding him to your holiday celebrations this year by celebrating any of the holidays he is associated with like Saint Nicholas day and Christmas. Next, simply work with him by performing acts of kindness that embody the spirit of giving like Santa does; essentially, bringing joy and generosity to others during the holiday season. Otherwise you can also try some of these things in your life and home below. Just remember when you are working with him just like with any other entity you need to do so from a place of reverence and respect.

Study, get to know him

As with every entity I have ever written about or taught about, The first way to get to know them specifically a being like Santa; is to study all you can about him. Look at the different versions of his origin, and how the catholic church paired him with Krampus. You can even, study the evolution of his history and how he shows up in different parts of the world. Plus don’t forget there are modern interpretations of him as well in movies, t.v. shows, poems, pieces of art and books you can look into. The more you study and learn the better! When working with any entity it is all about building a true relationship with them and you do this first by getting to know who they are.

Leave offerings out for him

Even though he is the embodiment of the spirit of gift giving, it doesn’t mean you can’t give him some gifts in gratitude as well. If you love getting gifts for all of your hard work and kindness from time to time why not do the same for Santa as well. They can even be seen as way for him to refuel and continue to be motivated on h is very busy and long night. Visiting each house around the world with children inside. Below you will see a list of some ideas for offerings you can leave for him on either Saint Nicholas day, Christmas eve night or Christmas day.

  • Cookies
  • Milk
  • Rice pudding
  • carrots
  • coins
  • grain mix/straw
  • stockings
  • Glass of sherry or other alcohol
  • Porridge
  • Mince pie
  • gingerbread
  • poems or drawings

Gift giving

Don’t just give Santa gifts in the form of offerings but, do it for others as well. Really embody the main spirit of Santa by giving gifts to others. So, spread cheer, joy, and kindness to others by giving gifts to your loved ones that come from the heart, thought went into them, and they are special, You can even hand out random gifts to strangers, make gift bags to donate to a shelter, or participate in a secret Santa at your work.

Volunteer your time, or donate money and things to those in need

Even though the gift giving part of Santa is full of joy and holiday cheer. The core of Santa and the energy he embodies is the importance of being generous and kind to those in need. So, one of the best ways to work with Santa is to volunteer or participate in activities that spread Christmas cheer. Some ways to do this could be helping with charity drives, organizing toy drives, volunteering at a local shelter or charitable organization, be part of a meal train, visit a nursing home, or pay off a random strangers bill or tab. Just make sure you are simply performing acts of kindness that embody the spirit of giving like Santa does; essentially, bringing joy and generosity to others during the holiday season.

Do things that help and protect children

Another core element to Santa and who he is; is being the patron protective saint of children. Another way to connect to him and work with him i s by doing things that embody this as well. You can cast spells to protect children in your family and home. Some of my favorites is creating protective charms for my son to wear, drawing sigils on his clothes, or using his stuffies to turn them into protective poppets. Or take it a step further and extend your protection to those who are being harmed by others and are in need of justice and help in the world. You can also spend your time at places like domestic violence shelters or foster homes this holiday season to help spread some love , cheer, and a safe place to a child who may need it desperately right now from you.

Other ways to work with and connect to Santa

  • Celebrate Saint Nicholas day on December 6th in any of the ways we talked about above
  • Add images of Santa to your yule tree and holiday decorations
  • Create a sigil out of his name and use it spells or add it to cookies you bake with kitchen magic to offer him
  • cleanse and purify your chimney and hearth he will come down on Christmas eve night
  • Celebrate Christmas eve or Christmas day
  • Attend a holiday, Christmas, saint Nicholas day, or Santa parade if there is one near you
  • Sing song about him when you go caroling
  • Wish magic
  • Leave offering for woodland creatures and his reindeer
  • Go on a mindful winter nature walk
  • Work with the elves, fae, and brownies in your magic
  • Work with his colors red, black , and white in color magic
  • elemental magic with element of fire with a bonfire
  • dress up as Santa or better yet become a professional Santa
  • Work with the divine masculine and ascended master energy
  • Read about Jesus Christ prior to the king James version of the bible whom Saint nick worshipped
  • Volunteer to read stories to children at the library or book store as a Santa or an entity related to him
  • Invite others into your home for a holiday feast and secret Santa gift giving game
  • Do shadow work and journal about how kind you are during the rest of the year and how you may or may not need to change it in the coming year.
  • Cast spells to fulfill wishes with snowflake magic
  • Write a manifestation letter to Santa, read it out loud on Christmas ever night as Santa flies by, and bury it in the snow to have it manifest in the next year for you as gift from Santa
  • Cast spells for peace, harmony, joy, and good will
  • Random acts of kindess
  • Help with Santa’s workshop by donating toys
  • Participate in community holiday events where you can visit and see Santa in person

Why work with Santa?

Santa Claus is someone who will remain in the hearts of children forever and linger in our memoires of past cherished and festive times as adults.. While some may only consider him to be a mythical person who brings toys and good tidings to children at Christmas. As we grow older we see him as the special symbol of good will and selfless giving that he is. Every holiday season he rides through the night skies. Visiting each house to remind us of the importance to be genuinely kind to those in need and to give to our community.

To expand your knowledge about him and his magic or if you’d rather listen than read; you can watch my free class with Divination Academy on YouTube all about him below!

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Working with Krampus on Krampusnacht; protection, order, and punishing the wicked

We all know about the white bearded old man in a red suit Santa Claus, and his wife, Mrs. Claus. But most of us can’t say the same for Krampus the Christmas Devil. Krampus is a central figure in the Germanic Holiday season and he is more than a mere monster or Santa Claus’s antihero. Krampus takes center stage specifically during Krampusnacht. Krampusnacht literally meaning German for Krampus’ night, occurs annually on the night of December 5th, the night before the Feast of Saint Nicholas. It’s the night when Krampus comes to punish bad kids and some of those punishment’s are quite gruesome. Let’s sit around the Yule log and listen for the sound of chains and bells as we wait for Krampus to run through the streets of your town.

Who is Krampus?

In the chilly shadows of European winter folklore (primarily Germanic), the figure of Krampus emerges, distinct with his horns, terrifying hairy body and sinister snarling face. Krampus is a terrifying winter devil who accompanies Saint Nicholas. Krampus punishes the naughty children with spankings, and sometimes his punishments are so severe he even drowns, eats, or carries them off to Hell. While St. Nicholas (St. Nikolaus in Germany) is famous for giving gifts and rewards to the righteous, it’s Krampus’s job to strike fear into the hearts of the wicked.

What does Krampus look like?

Krampus is a creature often described as half-goat and half-demon with cloven hooves, razor-sharp fangs, large horns protruding from his head, an abnormally long and forked tongue, and dark fur depicted as either black or brown all over his body. Krampus carries a basket on his back (to put naughty children in) and either chains or bundles of birch branches. The chain tradition is to “bind the devil” and the birch switches are to swat the evil out of children.

Origin and history of Krampus

Just like with almost every other Christmas tradition, many believe Krampus comes from ancient pagan times. While he’s called the Christmas Devil today, many believe he was once a horned fertility god. There’s an uncanny resemblance between Krampus, Pan, fauns and the Celtic horned deity Cernunnos. But, as with pretty much every single pagan entity there is never an agreement on his origins. We will take a look at a few of them below.

Krampus and his connection to Frau Perchta

The roots of Krampus most likely derive from Frau Perchta (pronounced perk-tah), a Winter Germanic goddess who is a mix of “good” and “evil”. She can appear in two different forms. To well-behaved children, she appears as a beautiful and kind woman who leaves silver coins in their shoes. However, for children who misbehave, she manifests as a terrifying hairy demon who would slice open children’s bellies, extract their innards, and replace them with hay, dirt, trash, or rocks. Then she would stitch their bellies closed again. Stories tell of her breath being so foul that it causes blindness.

Krampus the daughter of Lady Hel

Others claim Krampus has Norse origins, stating he’s the son of Norse Goddess Hel. However, I couldn’t find a credible source for this. Many websites, and blogs mention this without listing their sources. I believe this detail is from a fictional book by Brom called Krampus: The Yule Lord. If you find credible sources saying otherwise, I’m open to reviewing them. The only reason I find this to be interesting and have a bit of validity to it is because of Krampus’s link to saint Nicholas aka Santa. Many believe Santa’s origins come from Odin himself (I am one of them) . So, if Santa is Odin that would make Krampus Loki. But, Loki is Hel’s father so, if this theory to his origin is correct in anyway then he would be Hel’s father not her son.

Krampus post-Christianity

As Christianity spread, Krampus moved from being a Winter Solstice fixture to being a part of Christmas. The Catholic Church didn’t like that too much, and they tried to ban him, but the people wouldn’t have it. Instead they continued the traditions of Krampus Night and Krampus Run, and in some cases, these traditions became larger as a result of the Church’s warnings. This is also when we see Krampus being linked to Saint Nicholas. They tried to ban Krampus but, were never able to do it fully, so instead the Catholic Church “embraced” him by pairing him with Saint Nicholas to frame him as the Christian devil.

What is Krampusnacht?

The number one way to worship Krampus is through celebrating Krampusnacht. Krampusnacht, German for Krampus’ night, occurs annually on the night of December 5th, the night before the Feast of Saint Nicholas. Traditionally it’s the night when Krampus comes to punish bad kids. Krampus accompanies Saint Nicholas in processions. He carries his birch switch, a basket or pack on his back, and often wears bells and/or rattling chains. In addition to swatting the “naughty ones”, Krampus’ presence is supposed to scare children into behaving in the coming year. His pack on his back is believed to hold the children who have been particularly naughty, and he’s also said to give out coal instead of candy. Then the next day, on the Feast of Saint Nicholas, the good children are gifted and the bad children nurse their Krampus-wounds.

What is Krampuslauf?

Sometimes Krampuslauf is held on Krampusnacht. Krampuslauf is the name for the Krampus parades most of us see all over social media. They are held mainly throughout Central and Eastern Europe. These parades are particularly popular in Bavaria and Austria. Krampuslauf’s festivities are spreading throughout the world, with Krampus parades becoming an annual tradition in Washington DC, Illinois, Texas and Ohio, U.S. As well as other places in Europe.

During the Krampuslauf, men and women dress up as Krampuses and run around town swatting others with branches during the procession. There’s quite a bit of drinking and debauchery during Krampusnacht, and it’s likely that we are just carrying on the older pagan traditions in our revelry. I say this because, the practices of this parade like the swatting of the branches is so similar to the fertility rituals done in Rome during Lupercalia.

Krampus and Duality

Since I am a grey witch every single energy I work with I look at how it can help me maintain balance and how it can represent the cosmic energy of duality. You may not think there is duality in the energy of Krampus since he exists to terrify, and punish children but, I find duality in the essence of protection he can bring. While his energy is about terrifying children into behaving and I don’t agree with parenting like that. I can see that it could be done in a way to protect your children and keep them safe from making decisions that could hurt them or worse. Protection is something we will all need from time to time in our lives and I don’t find that to necessarily be an unwanted energy. But, one that can provide comfort and safety instead. This is why I work with Krampus and why I feel he is getting so popular again. Most of those I know that work with him do so for his protection that he can bring to them and their homes especially those in marginalized or oppressed communities.

Correspondences to connect with Krampus

First, what is a correspondence? A correspondence is an item or symbol that is meant to connect you to a specific energy thru it’s representation. It is seen also as an item to respect, honor, and venerate that energy as well whether it be an archetype energy , or the zodiac energy the moon is currently, or a deity, like I will list below for you to use with Lakshmi .Follow your intuition and use what speaks to you!

  • Animal-goat and hooved creatures
  • Planet- Saturn
  • Sex-Masculine
  • Zodiac-Sagittarius and Capricorn
  • Symbol- chains, bells, birch branches, shaggy pelts, masks, walking staff, basket, horns
  • colors-red, black
  • Themes- punishment, protection, winter, rebellion, parenting, duality of Christmas
  • Herbs- Cinnamon, Frankincense, Fir, Juniper, Birch, Orange, holly berries, Myrrh, black pepper, chili crisp
  • Stones/ crystals- black obsidian, onyx, Smokey quartz, carnelian, malachite, pyrite, hematite, black tourmaline

Ways to work with Krampus

If after reading this blog post and learning all about the terrifying monster that is Krampus and you want to work with him and his protective energy. By adding him to your holiday celebrations this year try some of these things in your life and home below. Just remember when you are working with him just like with any other entity you need to do so from a place of reverence and respect.

Study, get to know him

As with every entity I have ever written about or taught about, The first way to get to know them specifically a being like Krampus; is to study all you can about him. Look at the different versions of his origin, and how the catholic church paired him with Saint Nicholas. You can even, study the culture and region, of the people of Germany, Austria, and central Europe. Plus don’t forget there are modern interpretations of him as well in movies, t.v. shows, and books you can look into. The more you study and learn the better! When working with any entity it is all about building a true relationship with them and you do this first by getting to know who they are.

Go to a Parade
If you live in Europe, near Germany, Austria, or Switzerland, you might be able to find one close to you there, as well. Krampus parades are even popping up all over the United States now as well, with big ones in Washington D.C and Texas. Check your local cities and take the family to a Krampus parade this Christmas. Or get creative and start your own in your town or home.

Dedicate Altar Space

Set aside some space in honor of Krampus specifically for him. This can be an elaborate large altar or as simple as a small shelf or corner of a counter. Place a representation of Krampus there; be sure to cleanse the space before you invite him in. Include his colors black and red, his symbols, and representations of punishments like birch branches. Plus add any of his other correspondences you can use to connect to him. This will be a container that reminds you to connect with him and his energy. To allow you a container of order, protection, and punishment towards those who are wicked. I also recommend adding bells and chains to this altar as well.

Leave out offerings for Krampus

If Santa Claus loves cookies and milk, what does Krampus like on his special night? It really depends on what you want to leave out. But, one thing I can tell you for sure, make to leave him one more then what you want to leave him. He never seems to be satisficed with what you want to leave him and comes back asking for more. He always haggles with me so, I have learned throughout the years to always leave him one more of what I originally intended to for him. That means one more pour or cup of whatever liquor I am leaving him or an extra tobaccos leaf. I like to take a shoe and leave it outside my threshold and fill it with candy and then place my shot glasses, tobacco leaves, and cigars around the boot for him to enjoy. Below you will see a list of some ideas for offerings you can leave for him on Krampusnacht night. I also leave mine out for most of the holiday season and refresh every Saturday night.

  • Liquor
  • Gingersnaps
  • Gingerbread cookies
  • Stollen (German fruitcake)
  • Pumpernickel
  • Jägermeister
  • Peppermint Schnapps
  • Tobacco leaves and cigars
  • red meats
  • baked breads
  • Candy
  • Black and red candles

Ring Krampus bells

You can also ring Krampus bells! Traditionally, the Perchten and Krampuses are known to wear or carry bells with them during the parade through town. This custom wards off evil and purifies the town. So, why not add this own tradition to your home to add some needed protection during this holiday season as you have people coming and going over your threshold more often. Grab some bells and ring them over your threshold especially on December 5th night, to allow Krampus to protect your home and keep those with ill intentions out. To boost the potency of those bells don’t be afraid to add a sigil associated with Krampus to it as well. I like to put mine on the inside of the bell to maximize the potency of the vibration when it is activated.

Use a birch bundle as a tool

Go outside gather some birch sticks and branches to use in your offerings and spell workings during this Krampusnacht season. This bundle can be placed at your front door to ward off unwanted entries and bring in prosperity. Or make a small bundle and place it somewhere in your Yuletide tree or on your altar in honor of Krampus.

Get or make a Krampus costume

Krampusnacht in its hometown is all about the masks and costumes. Many of these are family heirlooms and have been passed down through families for decades. But, if you are reading this you most likely don’t have access to any like that. So, you can either go and purchase one or you can get really creative and make your own! You can even add sigils for protection to it on the inside as well.

Add Krampus to your holiday decorations

Instead of having your holiday decorations this year have Santa or angelic figures as the focal point of your decorations why not have Krampus be instead. Work with him and bring his energy into your home by changing up your holiday decorations by adding his image to your tree, your wreaths, and even change up the color of your tree themes to black and red. Don’t forget to use birch branches, bells and maybe even replace your tinsel with some chains as well. Get as creative as you want its really up to you!

Use his colors black and red in color magic

A simple way to add Krampus to your holiday season this year would be to use his colors black and red in color magic. Color magic is simply using the colors that correspond to an energy or entity like Krampus to represent them in your spell workings, rituals, or just your every day life. So, there really are endless ways you can use his colors in color magic during this holiday season from using them in your decorations, wearing clothes, using spell bags or candles in your spells, painting your nails, and anything else you can think of! One thing that most people really love about color magic is it can be as loud or as subtle as you want to be. So, if you aren’t quite ready to let others know you are working with Krampus this may the best way for you to go.

Use him as a way to discipline children

I am going to preface this by saying I have NEVER worked with Krapmus like this nor do I support it. I don’t agree with parenting through fear tactics and intimidation. But, one of the ways I keep reading about working with him is by using him to parent unruly and rowdy children. I’ve come across spells invoking him to make a child behave a certain way and I’ve seen spells invoking him to punish and discipline a child as well. Some homes in regions of Austria are even known to paint birch tree branches gold and keep them around the home all year to encourage their children to behave. If you want to work with Krampus this way you could do the same.

Call on Krampus to remove toxic people from your life

One of my personal favorite ways to work with Krampus is calling on him to aid in protection spells especially those aimed towards removing someone unwanted, harmful, or toxic from my life. What is Krapmus’s purpose? To punish those who are wicked. So, why not ask him to help you do the same when you need to get rid of someone from your life. Whether it is someone who abused you, a nasty neighbor, a bully, someone who broke your heart, or someone you need to cut ties with. You can do this by invoking him in your spells by using his name, adding his sigils, or using any of his correspondences as spell ingredients. My favorite type of protection spells to ask for his aid in are things like freezer spells, bindings, banishing, justice spells, and hexes.

Why work with Krampus?

Other then the fact that he is just a really fascinating character why not make sure to work with all aspects of the holiday season. Don’t just focus on the tidings and good cheer but, also on the dark side of winter. Even though he can be harsh with his tactics he does force children to go inwards and reflect on their actions. Calling on him can help you do the same as well during the month and season all about introspection. Don’t forget, Civilization is also about order, and Krampus is most certainly a lover of order. His job is to maintain order by scaring children into behaving properly. He shows up in December and reminds the little ones not to stray too far outside what is acceptable. So, call on him to help bring order to your life and maintain it in society as well. Listen for the sound of chains and bells as we wait for Krampus to run through the streets of your town this holiday season.