CHALFONT, Pa. — Home and Backyard is sharing Christmas traditions of the Pennsylvania Dutch! One of the holiday traditions for some PA Dutch is a visit from the Belsnickel. He is the stern faced gift giver who doesn't ho-ho-ho but carries a switch, is dressed in fur and visits children to find out if they have been behaving. Home and Backyard visited Byers Choice in Chalfont, Pa where Jake Byers explained his family's Pennsylvania Dutch holiday traditions and showed us their Byers Choice Caroler version of the Belsnickel figure. They also created a Krampus caroler, which is said to come from eastern and central alpine folklore. The Krampus is a half goat half monster sent to frighten children at Christmastime.
Byer's Choice carolers where created by Joyce Byers who decided to create Christmas decorations and figurines that were what she felt representative of her Christmas memories. Soon her friends and family members requested them. The Byers Choice Carolers were born! Since 1978 the beloved hand crafted artisan carolers have been cherished by all those who purchase them.