On 5th December Krampus day is celebrated in most alpine regions. In this regard, Krampus is a servant to St. Nicholas, supporting him, but also punishing bad children with his birch rood. Nowadays those children are mostly teen aged (I guess that's a surefire way to find some bad ones, lol).
The images here were taken in Kindberg a beautiful small town in upper Styria. The Krampus groups are organized in clubs, and their members take immense efforts to craft their costumes. Often they are travelling and performing in many places throughout early advent time, until 5th of December.
Have a wonderful Advent time, and remember to be good. Otherwise St. Nicholas marks you in his book and sends you the Krampus ;)