Le PÃ re Fouettard ( French for The whipping Father ) was a character who went with St. Nicholas in his rounds at Christmas giving the naughty children the whip while St. Nick gives gifts to the well behaved . Le PÃ re Fouettard ( French for The whipping Father ) is a character who accompanies St. Nicholas in his rounds during St. Nicholas ' Day ( 6 December ) dispensing lumps of coal and\/or floggings to the naughty children while St. Nick gives gifts to the well behaved .