| In Austria Christmas begins on the feast of St. | | | | especially Silent Night (Stille Nacht), a uniquely Austrian |
| Nicholas. St. Nicholas is the historical 'Santa'. He was a | | | | creation. This carol was first heard at Midnight |
| priest from Myra, which is part of modern-day | | | | (Mitternachtsmette) at the Church of St. Nicholas in |
| Turkey. He is also the patron saint of children, Russia | | | | 1818. Fr. Joseph Mohr penned the lyrics; the melody |
| and sailors. His feast date falls on December 6th. | | | | was composed by Franz Xavier Gruber. At the time, |
| Good children are given candy, nuts and fruits. | | | | Fr. Mohr was the church's assistant pastor and Mr. |
| On Christmas Eve, the Christkindl (Christ Child), a | | | | Gruber, the choir director. |
| golden-haired baby, brings the children their presents. | | | | After Mitternachtsmette, people return home to eat. |
| Austrians, generally speaking, don't believe in Santa | | | | Fried carp (Gebackner Karpfen) is a traditional main |
| Claus. He also decorates the tree. Throughout the | | | | course. Veal and other kinds of meat are also found |
| holiday season, Austrians attend Christmas Markets | | | | on many tables. Desserts might include chocolate and |
| with lots of holiday decorations and edible treats. If | | | | apricot cake and Austrian Christmas cookies. Yummy. |
| you live close enough to Salzburg, you will probably | | | | On Christmas day, Austrians quietly celebrate the |
| attend the Adventsingen. This performance, which | | | | birth of Jesus. They usually get together with family |
| attracts a world-wide audience, is full of folklore and | | | | and friends. The 26th is St. Stephen's Day. This is |
| music. | | | | another day off from work and school. It's also |
| Austrian families decorate their homes with the | | | | another opportunity for get-togethers. Austrians |
| Tannenbaum, a Christmas tree, which is a throw-back | | | | keep their Christmas trees up until the Feast of the |
| to their Germanic history. Many also have a | | | | Epiphany on January 6th. This is the day that the |
| crèche, which is a small the Nativity scene. Baby | | | | Church believes that the Three Wise Men brought |
| Jesus is NOT placed in the scene until Christmas Eve. | | | | the Christkindl his gifts. On this day boys and girls |
| On Christmas Eve, Christkindl arrives. Children are | | | | dressed in costumes go from house to house singing |
| summoned by bell ringing and led into the Christmas | | | | songs. They receive gifts and treats for their efforts. |
| room, which is now fully decorated and filled with | | | | Christmas in Austria lasts for a good month. It's a |
| presents. Families open their presents and begin | | | | time of peace, joy, inspiration and cheer. |
| celebrating this holiest of holidays by singing carols, | | | | |