The Kallikantzaroi, otherwise known as the trolls of Greek Christmas, comes from ancient pagan traditions. Although it has been adapted to fit with Christianity. Many people debate where these creatures come from ancient Greek death spirits to small bugs associated with evil spirts which are known to destroy crops. They are thought to live under the ground year round, and their purpose is to saw down and destroy the world tree. Their purpose has different meanings in different religions, but the biggest one is thought to connect the heavens, earth, and the underworld with its roots.

The legend says that keep these creatures away is to throw foul-smelling shoes into the fire. Although in Greece they sprinkle holy water to keep them away. They are known to have a limp, or have a lisp, or goat feet of monkey arms. If they find you outdoors during the night of an unbaptized day, they will demand to be brought around wherever they please. Then the torture will only end at the crack of dawn.

https://greekreporter.com/2022/12/25/kalikantzaroi-greek-goblins-christmas/#:~:text=Like%20much%20of%20European%20folklore,were%20known%20to%20destroy%20crops.

https://westviewnews.org/2021/12/03/the-kallikantzaroi-who-stole-christmas/gcapsis/