The Demon Who Swaps Charcoal for Whipping Switches

In northeastern France, Santa (Père Noël) does not travel alone. He is accompanied by a terrifying, bearded counterpart named Père Fouettard (The Whipping Father). According to gruesome medieval folklore, he was an evil butcher who tried to harm three children. Saint Nicholas caught him, forced him to repent, and condemned him to be Santa's eternal servant. While Santa gives out toys, Père Fouettard hands out bundles of twigs to spank naughty children.