MY SWITCH

Traditionally, Krampus carries a switch with him to punish the bad children. Those switches can take different forms, from a whip to sticks. For my costume, it was more practical for me to use sticks.

I didn’t want to cut limps off the trees in my yard, so I just went to Michael’s craft store and purchased a bunch of dried reeds. I then clustered them together to strengthen the switch, and create the desired look. My partner then used a very long piece of thin leather strap and twisted it along the based of the switch, to create a cool looking handle. He had to make sure it was really tight in order to withhold any activity, and not fall apart during an event.

My switch serves a few purposes. I might lightly tap someone on the leg if they’ve approached me for a photo. I typically don’t hit spectators with it, unless they ask, since some love the full Krampus experience. I also use it practically, since my vision is impaired in the mask, and I can’t see my feet. I’ve learned to wave the switch menacingly, in front of me. While it looks like I’m making a scary approach to spectators; in reality, I’m sweeping in front of me to ensure my pathway is clear of objects, curbs, and children who might have snuck up on me.