Some of you may not know that I'm a huge horror buff. So, while I'm watching all the heartwarming new movies (Hallmark Channel, anyone?) and cherished favorites, I'm also watching some Christmas themed horror movies.
Christmas actually has a long history of connection with horror. For instance, the central European popular legend, Krampus, a half-goat, half-demon monster that punishes misbehaving children at Christmastime. He is the devilish companion of St. Nicholas. Krampus is believed to have originated in Germany, and his name derives from the German word Krampen, which means “claw. Many of these countries still have festivals at Christmastime which feature various Krampus incarnations. Pretty scary. I'm sure many children have been quite frightened by this legend. I wonder if they behaved better than Western children who were only warned they would be left off Santa's "Nice" list...but I digress.
The Christmas horror film, Rare Exports (2010) plays on the old, old traditions of Christmas, focusing on Santa Claus as an ancient being (the real Santa Claus is said to have been a monk, St. Nicholas, who lived around 280 AD) who was buried in a burial mound. Said burial mound is about to be excavated and much horror ensues....slaughtered reindeer, kidnapped children in potato sacks, a huge block of ice (ancient Santa) with enormous horns sticking out (did Santa have horns? Sounds like Krampus to me). The film is set in Lapland and is in Finnish so you have to watch it with subtitles. Believe me. It's totally worth it. There is some nudity in the film (the elves are old, Santa-looking beings who are nude for some weird reason...not a pretty sight) so don't watch it with the kiddos. lol
Do you watch Christmas horror films? If so, share some favorites.
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