As these early 20th-century Viennese postcards illustrate, Austrian holidays are steeped in dualistic intrigue. Sure, there's a kindly old gift giver in the form of St. Nicholas, but what's that horrible demon in his robes? That, my friend, is Krampus: the snake-tongued, switch-swinging embodiment of grim Christmas tidings. While St. Nick brings the good kiddies presents, Krampus brings the ne'er-do-wells a stout dose of terror. (Imagno/Getty Images)