Virtually every town and village has St. Nicholas celebrations. Events on the eve of St. Nicholas Day, December 5, are rather scary, as St. Nicholas is accompanied by devil-like creatures that who scold children who have misbehaved. The night before the Feast of St. Nicholas, children put a shoe outside the door, hoping it will be filled with treats of fruit, candies, coins, and small toys. The saint’s companion Parkelj, a Krampus-like figure, may leave coal or cinders and switches for naughty children. Or more likely, a mix of both, as most children behave in both good and bad ways. The feast day itself usually...