My mom, who is in her 70's has said that, as a little girl, this person would come dressed up in a "scary outfit" with a deep scary voice, and leave coal and other things kids wouldn't want to find in their stockings, and threaten her and other kids, that they have to be good for st nick. She thought the person was refered to as "barbara" with an accent-so am not sure this is the right spelling. The lady is believed to be possibly slavakian, bohemian or ? Does anyone know of this old tradition? My mom and I would like to learn more. thankyou!