'Leave the devil outside': Czech parents rethink the scarier side of Mikuláš festivities

As December brings St. Nicholas (Mikuláš) celebrations to the Czech Republic, a time-honored tradition is undergoing a change. More parents are asking for the devil (čert in Czech)—a character traditionally accompanying St. Nicholas and an angel—to take a smaller role or skip the visit altogether.

This shift reflects emerging concerns about the impact of the experience on children's emotional well being, with psychologists saying that inviting a masked devil into the home to scare kids is not a suitable form of discipline.

In Czechia's Mikuláš tradition, celebrated on the eve of St. Nicholas Day (Dec. 6), parents invite Mikuláš, an angel, and a devil to visit children in the home. Good behavior is rewarded with treats while naughtiness is punished with coal, potatoes, or even the threat of being carried sway in a sack. Children sing songs or recite poems to Mikuláš, as they await judgment.

Kristýna Pavlíčková, a member of a Brno-based student group that offers home visits on Mikuláš, has noticed the change. "Modern parents don't want to frighten their children. When placing orders, they often ask us to leave the devil outside," she told Czech Television.

Similar sentiments were echoed by Pavel Bouc from Čimice. "Parents contact us beforehand and ask for only Mikuláš and an angel to deliver gifts. Sometimes, the devil character has to stay outside," he shared.

In response, many of these masked trios are adjusting their approach to the traditional scare fest. Tomáš Šulec, whose team visits families in Kolín, explained that they now discuss preferences with parents before entering. "We ask if they want the devil to be gentler or more mischievous. This wasn't a common practice in the past," Šulec noted.

Even in smaller villages, the trend is evident. Eduard Knotek, a cultural organizer in the village of Konecchlumí (Hradec Králové), mentioned that parents often use online forms to specify their wishes. "We frequently see requests like ‘No devil, please’ or ‘Make sure not to scare the children,’" he said.

Some groups have creatively adapted to these changes. Pavlíčková's family-charity team in Brno has reimagined the devil as a friendly, 160-cm-tall figure. "At first, we worried people might prefer the traditional, scarier version, but the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Even parents who were initially hesitant often end up embracing the new portrayal," they said.

Veteran organizer Samuel Veselý, who has been facilitating St. Nicholas visits for over a decade, estimates that about one in five families now explicitly request a gentler approach. "Most parents prefer a devil with just a smudged face rather than a full mask," he said, adding that the softened appearance has been well-received.

This shift reflects broader societal changes. While some parents still use the devil to enforce discipline, experts caution against it. Psychologist Šárka Miková emphasized that fear is not an effective teaching tool. "The devil’s presence isn’t necessary or educational. Communication is key. Let children decide if they want to participate, and never force them," she advised.

From 4 p.m. at Prague's Old Town Square, a grand St. Nicholas celebration will feature a two-hour interactive show with a devil-angel band, offering children games, competitions, dances, and performances of original songs in various genres, alongside discussions about Czech traditions. 

Wenceslas Square will host a smaller St. Nicholas show from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m, including music, carols, and fun activities led by singers Lenka Vahalová and Denisa Hergeselová.

Malostranské náměstí will host a festive St. Nicholas celebration featuring caroling by the Josef Singing Club, a Christmas tree lighting, a St. Nicholas feast, live performances by the Lovesong Orchestra and Petr Kutheil Band, and continuous attractions like a fireman’s field kitchen and a nativity scene by Charles Bridge artists. It starts at 4:30 p.m.

From 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Prague Crossroads (Church of St. Anne), the Mikulášský Charity Bazaar, organized by the Dagmar and Václav Havlov VIZE 97 Foundation, will feature festive activities including Christmas gift shopping, caroling with Dagmar Havlová and renowned guests, and a visit from Mikuláš accompanied by an angel and a devil

From 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at Na Kampě Square under the Charles Bridge, the annual St. Nicholas celebration will feature an afternoon children's choir, the ceremonial Christmas tree lighting at 5 pa Santa Claus gift collection, and live performances by the Lovesong Orchestra and the band Return to the Grave.