Prepare to beware. Based on an age-old Alpine custom, the upcoming Krewe of Krampus parade is meant to remind naughty kids — you know who you are — to return to the path of righteousness.

The stars of the 100-person foot parade are pitchfork-wielding, chain-rattling goat men sprouting horns and antlers from their furry heads. The scary, hairy creatures are joined by equally creepy, silent ice princesses, an emotionally distant St. Nick and other chilly characters, some of whom dispense lumps of coal in lieu of stocking stuffers.

In short, the Krampus parade provides an alternative to the warmth of ordinary, sometimes-oppressive seasonal cheer.

The annual event was the brainchild of Philadelphia transplants Mike and Diana Esordi, who recognized a lack of holiday horror in their adopted

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