Random Reasons Christmas Is Actually A Far More Horrifying Holiday Than Halloween (12 items)

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  (#9) When Santa Breaks In, Your Parents Just Offer Him Food

  During the 15th century in France, people believed that witches, fairies, and other creatures of the occult entered homes through chimneys. Washington Irvin borrowed this concept in the early 1800s when he published a satirical piece about St. Nicholas, which many believe evolved into the tradition of Santa Claus.

  It's unclear why people went from being terrified of their chimneys in the 15th century to embracing the idea of mystic breaking-and-entering in the 1800s. The chimney ends up being one of the first areas to inspire doubt in children (especially children who do not have visible fireplaces or wood stoves).

  Until that happens, kids are instructed to believe that once a year, mom and dad let a stranger breach their home, move freely about, and eat and drink as he pleases.
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  (#7) Parents Allow Their Children To Sit On The Lap Of A Seasonal Mall Employee With A Beard

  Sitting on Santa's lap is consumerism's ham-fisted attempt to attract more shoppers to malls during the Christmas season (after all, you can't meet Chris Kringle while shopping on Amazon).

  Some report that the tradition goes back to 1841, when people flocked to see a life-sized Santa in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Today, the times are changing, and more parents prefer their children to just stand by Santa. However, plenty still force their kids to sit on that creep's lap.

  We've all witnessed a terrified, screaming child fighting to get off of a chubby, bearded dude's lap. Why isn't that child abuse?
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  (#5) Sexual Predators Hide Behind Mistletoe

  Mistletoe is actually a parasitic plant. It latches onto a tree, then leeches nutrients and water from its host. Despite this, a tradition that dates back to Norse mythology declares that it's bad luck to refuse a kiss when under the Mistletoe.

  Traditionally, after a kiss, the kissers are to pluck a berry from the plant. After all of the berries were gone, the Mistletoe no longer has any power. However, today this practice is a sure recipe for a cold sore.

  Additionally, the legend inadvertently acts as a tool of perverse power, as creeps can cite the legend as justification for why they are owed kisses from those around them. In the days surrounding Christmas, you need to look up, down, left, and right to stay safe.
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  (#11) Those Beautiful Christmas Songs Are Actually Creepy AF

  Even if you're not Christian, you most likely celebrate the holiday season to some extent. If nothing else, you probably enjoy hearing the occasional Christmas carol, which are basically unavoidable in the month of December. And why shouldn't you enjoy songs about spreading love and good will? 

  Hang on, what about I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus? Seriously? The pinnacle of moral authority for children is cheating on Mrs. Claus and hooking up with your mom, who happens to be cheating on your dad. The song ends after about three minutes, but the subsequent divorce proceedings, custody battles, and related emotional trauma take years to fully unfold. 

  Then, there is Baby It's Cold Outside, where a predator tries to get his date drunk, and won't let her leave. It's terrifying. When else do we celebrate such ill conduct with cheer?
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  (#4) Voyeuristic Santa Watches You When You're Awake AND Sleeping

  You've heard Bing Crosby declare it, "he sees you when you're sleeping, he knows when you're awake." No wonder your child can't sleep, an omnipresent old man with a beard is lurking somewhere around their house or bedroom.

  The question your child is undoubtedly dying to ask is "why aren't you calling the police?" The reason your child can't articulate that question is that they have become paralyzed with fear due to your complicity in Santa's voyeurism. 
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  (#2) The Yule Lads Are Coming To Rob Your House

  Another terrifying Christmas legend comes from the country of Iceland, though this one was so horrific that the government eventually banned parents from telling their children the tale. 

  In the days leading up to Christmas, the Yule Lads were said to appear for the sole purpose of making children's lives more difficult. The descendants of monsters, each of these 13 creatures had a unique method for wreaking havoc. One might steal milk and farm animals, whereas another would remove all light sources from a room, leaving traumatized children in total darkness. 

  As unsettling as the Yule Lads were, the group's pet was infinitely worse. The Lads were followed around by a ferocious cat whose diet consisted entirely of children. Unlike Krampus, this cat doesn't care if you've been naughty or nice, it's hungry for whatever it can get its teeth on. 

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