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Writer/director Michael Dougherty (Trick ‘r Treat) returns to holiday horror with Krampus, starring Adam Scott and Toni Collette as the hosts of a Christmas family gathering that goes terribly awry when everyone’s lack of Christmas spirit spurs a visit from the Krampus and his terrifying little minions. If you’re not familiar with the lore, Krampus is the anti-Santa — the opposite of jolly and nice. And you definitely don’t want him coming down your chimney. Krampus is a little slow to get going, but eventually delivers the visceral thrills you’re expecting. The PG-13 rating keeps things bloodless and tame, but still fun for even the most hardened of horror fans. The practical effects are very nice — Krampus is a memorable design, but his little minions — which include a toothy teddy bear, a scary porcelain doll with wings, and a nightmarish jack-in-the-box — steal the show. I wish they had more screen time. David Koechner plays the ultra-Republican brother-in-law whose ideological banter provides as much of a scare as any of the creature attacks, while Conchata Ferrell is given all the best one-liners as the been-there-done-it-all booze-loving aunt.