Krampus

3rd Place, 8th Grade

by Kenneth, Gray Station Middle School

It was the night before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, but little did they know Krampus would soon be there. 

In the small, snow-covered village of Evergreen, nestled deep in the heart of the woods, the townsfolk had always celebrated Christmas with joy and merriment. But this year, something sinister lurked in the shadows, waiting to descend upon the unsuspecting villagers. 

As the clock struck midnight, a chill swept through the village. Children dreamt of Santa and presents, unaware of the ancient legend that had haunted their ancestors for generations. Krampus, the Christmas demon, was said to visit on this very night, punishing naughty children who had misbehaved throughout the year. 

The village elders had long warned their children about Krampus, telling tales of his menacing appearance – cloven hooves, a twisted, horned face, and a tongue that flicked out like a serpent’s. They spoke of the chains he carried, which jingled ominously as he approached. And worst of all, they warned of his basket, in which he carried away the wicked children to a fate too terrible to imagine. 

As the village slept, a shadowy figure crept through the snow-covered streets. It was Krampus, his eyes gleaming with malevolence, and his chains clinking with each step. He moved silently, his presence known only to the wind and the moonlight. 

At the stroke of one, Krampus approached the first house, where a young boy named kenneth had been particularly mischievous that year. Kenneth had stolen cookies, teased his little sister, and lied to his parents. Krampus peered through the window his twisted face changed into a sinister grin. With a flick of his bony fingers, he opened the door and slipped inside. 

Kenneth awoke to a nightmare as Krampus stood at the foot of his bed, chains in hand. The boy screamed in terror, but it was too late. Krampus’s chains snaked around Kenneth’s wrists and ankles, binding him tightly. With a swift motion, Krampus hoisted Kenneth into his basket and vanished into the night. 

The Christmas demon continued his malevolent journey through the village, visiting each home where naughty children lived. The air was filled with cries of fear and despair as Krampus carried away those who had strayed from the path of goodness. 

By dawn, the village was left in a state of shock and sorrow. Parents wept for their lost children, and the village elders knew that Krampus would return next Christmas, as he always did, to continue his dark and dreadful work. 

And so, in the village of Evergreen, Christmas was forever changed. The joy and merriment of the holiday were tainted by the fear of Krampus, a reminder that not all who celebrate Christmas are granted its blessings. As the years passed, the legend of Krampus lived on, a dark and cautionary tale told to children to ensure they remained on the path of goodness, for the Christmas demon was always watching, waiting to punish those who strayed from the true spirit of the season.