Gumbo Ya Ya Krampus-Santa Holiday Edition - Paperback

by Denise Alvarado (Author)

Who knew there are as many versions of Santa Claus and his sidekicks as there are cultures that celebrate Yuletide? From the Netherlands' white horse called Schimmel to the donkey of France and the Angels of Czechoslovakia, the companions of St. Nicholas run the gamut from beast to celestial being to human thug, from benevolent helper to scary monster. Whatever their form and demeanor, St. Nick's companions travel alongside him to help him get the job of gift-giving done. And as for Krampus? He is often referred to as the Christmas devil because he travels with St. Nicholas in chains and bells punishing children who have misbehaved. According to lore, the naughty children are taken away to his lair, some say to Hell itself, and crammed in cages or chained.

Author Biography

Denise Alvarado (1960) was born and raised in the rich Creole culture of New Orleans, Louisiana. She has studied indigenous healing traditions from a personal and academic perspective for over four decades. She is the author of numerous books about Southern folk traditions, including The Conjurer's Guide to St. Expedite, The Voodoo Hoodoo Spellbook, the Hoodoo Almanacs, the Voodoo Doll Spellbook, Voodoo Dolls in Magick and Ritual and more. She is the Editor in Chief of Gumbo Ya Ya, the Hoodoo Almanacs and the Journal of American Rootwork. Her provocative artwork has been featured on several television shows including National Geographic's Taboo, The Originals, and Blue Bloods. She is a rootworker in the Louisiana Hoodoo tradition, a spiritual artist, and teacher of southern conjure at Crossroads University, crossroadsuniversity.com. Visit her websites: creolemoon.com and voodoomuse.org for a little sweet tea and conjure.