MY BASKET (BAG)

In traditional folklore, Krampus carries a basket for carrying away naughty children. The basket has different forms and purposes, depending on the tale. My costume veers from tradition in a number of different ways, and this is one where I took a different course.

Given that Krampus is still a newer phenomenon in the United States, and in my town, I opt to include a few familiar elements that relate to more typical Christmas traditions. In lieu of a basket, I carry a bag, that’s similar to Santa Claus.

To construct the bag, and make it look Krampusy, I purchased a burlap bag online. We hand-stitched a large hem at the mouth of the bag. From the hardware store, I bought a decorate rope that we fed through the hem so it would loosen and tighten. To give it volume, I used batting to fill the bottom of the bag, and make it lighter weight to carry. We attached rusty bells, from Amazon, with leather straps around the mouth of the bag to keep with the bell element of the costume and add more decoration. I also use the bag, practically, to carry handouts that I give to kids who are brave enough to approach Krampus.