From The Grand Nudge:
Have you ever heard of Krampus? This guy is getting a lot of press these days, but many of us have never even heard the name. In some parts of Germany, St. Nicholas is keeping some rather strange company. In this mythology, Krampus is a horned fellow not unlike your average furry, goat-footed demon and he and St. Nick are old buddies. The history of Krampus, much like many Christmas traditions, is murky at best. And really, I’m not overly concerned about the “why,” but rather the “who,” or at least what he represents.
Krampus was kind of Santa’s henchman. He was actually the one who got his hands dirty taking care of all the naughty little boys and girls.
What did he do with them?
Well, if you hadn’t been good enough to qualify for Christmas presents, Krampus kidnap you to teach you a lesson. And we thought the idea that Santa “knows when you’ve been bad or good, so be good for goodness sake,” was encouragement enough!
So why am I even talking about Krampus? Well, in some ways I feel that The Grand Nudge is the Krampus in the story of Women for Living in Community. (That would make Marianne the St. Nicholas, figure, of course. She’s much more positive than I am!)
I am not here to coddle you or tell you that everything is going to be kittens and rainbows. Nope, community living is hard work and only you can do it for yourself.
If I hear you whining and telling me it’s hard or giving any more excuses about why you’re not working on it, I may just come along with a magic sack and kidnap you.
So here we are, on Christmas Eve and I’m not spreading very much joy and good will. You bet your fruitcake I’m not!
What I am spreading is accountability and responsibility. I’m not very festive. Or, maybe I’m festive in my own way.
Go ahead and spend tomorrow with your families. Open presents, drink eggnog, and eat cookies. But after the holidays, you really should get started on your future. Some people will tell you that it is never too late to start, but there is absolutely such a thing as too late and you don’t want to find out what that means.
As for me, I will be celebrating the holidays with my alter-ego counterparts. Oh you thought Krampus was bad? Wait until you hear about Befana, the Christmas Witch. I think I’ll save her for next year.
What are you doing to celebrate the holidays in community? Answer in the comments or join he conversation on Facebook!
