OK after last night’s post we’re steering it back to scaring children again with the Christmas Creature traditions from around the world.
Tonight, we have “The Nalujuk,” or “Nalujuit” (plural, as they hunt in groups), a Christmas-season tradition from the Inuit people of Nunatsiavut, a self-governing region of Canada.
On Jan. 6, known in the region as Nalujuk Night, fur-clad creatures with monstrous faces come in off the sea ice and invade the coastal towns of northern Labrador.
Armed with sticks, harpoons, or chains, these Nalujuit (plural of Nalujuk) chase after any children they spot. Get caught by a Nalujuk, and you’ll have to sing for your freedom — the Inuktitut Christmas song Sorutsit Kaititse (O Come, Little Children) is a popular choice.
In some communities, the Nalujuit make house calls, asking children whether they’ve behaved themselves over the past year and doling out gifts to those who have. Here, too, the Nalujuit demand a song or two before they can be persuaded to return to the ice for another year.
While the Nalujuit’s appearance and demeanour may imply fear and violence, they are considered to be neither (nor both) Good or Bad and add to the festive excitement of the season. They’re considered ambassadors for cleanliness and diligence, which helps promote other lessons like goodwill and charity.
After all, it can be fun to be frightened. When we know, deep down, that we’re actually safe, we can enjoy the rush of adrenaline from a good scare, a phenomenon called hedonic reversal.
Perhaps most importantly, the Nalujuit promote community togetherness among the Nunatsiavut on the long winter nights when many might otherwise retreat into our warm houses alone. In disguise as otherworldly creatures, we come together to fulfil that most human of longings: our need for companionship.
Do you enjoy a good scare in the holiday season? Let us know in the comments.
-Sam 
