NAUGHTY OR NICE? Eau Claire's The Broom and Crow shop is hosting a holiday photo sesh, and not your typical picture-with-Santa event. (Submitted Photo)

A twist on traditional Christmas photos with Santa Claus, a photo with Krampus emphasizes the naughty over the nice (and still makes a great Christmas card to share with loved ones). Aimed at adults, this event brings on the spookiness that the holidays have always needed. 

“I was inspired by the many trips to see Santa as a kid,” Tabatha Voss, owner of The Broom and Crow, recalled. “My brother and I, in itchy sweaters and thick winter coats, waiting for what felt like an eternity to see the big guy in red.” 

Tabatha Voss, owner of The Broom and Crow. (Photo by Andrea Paulseth)

This time, for the first-of-its-kind event at the shop, Voss is taking her love of folklore with her and instead of offering a visit with Santa, folks will be able to meet with Krampus (a figure from Germanic lore). 

“Krampus isn’t anti-Santa, he’s the demon doppelgänger of the St. Nicholas/Santa figure,” Voss explained. 

“He’s the one that leaves coal in the stocking, sticks in children’s shoes, or — for the really naughty ones — throws them in a sack/basket and drags them to hell.” Sounds like fun, right? 

Hosted at The Broom and Crow shop on Nov. 11-12 from 12-6pm both days, the photos are sure to become a fun holiday memory (if you’ve been good enough not to get scared of the consequences, that is). 

Just downstairs in the basement of the shop will be its Krampusnacht Mini Market where divinations, local art, and brand-new apothecary treasures will be sold too. “Folks can expect to find lots of great handmade gifts for their loved ones and some alternative holiday fun,” Voss said.

If you can't make it this time around, new vendors and more photos with Krampus will be featured during the next Krampusnacht Mini Market hosted at The Broom and Crow, Dec. 9-10 from 12-6pm. Nothing says "the season of love and light" like a visit to Krampus! 

Visit https://www.thebroomandcrow.com for more information on upcoming classes, events, and markets while browsing for unique, alternative holiday gifts!