The devilish figure of Krampus was a popular image in Austrian Christmases. He accompanied St Nicholas and terrified children into good behaviour. However, in 1934 the fascist government of Austria chose to clamp down on this tradition.
The New York Times December 11, 1934 reported that under pressure from Catholic clergy the Austrian authorities urged a boycott of Krampus, warned against rowdy parties involving the devil, and demanded that anyone wishing to appear as Santa Claus must be licensed. Such warnings do not seem to have had much effect at the time and to this day Austrians are still devoted to Krampus.