Christmas/New Years Traditions in Austria

Since Christmas is now over, I thought it would be interesting to list some differences between the Austrian and English traditions.

1. Presents: Compared to English speaking countries, Austrian children typically get their gifts from the "Christkind" and not Santa Claus. The Christkind basically is baby Jesus, but is usually shown as a blond woman with curly hair and a white dress. But since the flood of American culture reached Austria, some children now get their presents from Santa as well. However, Austrians do not put up stockings.

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 2. Gifting day: Generally, Austrians celebrate Christmas and get their gifts on the 24th, but some people have changed it to the morning of the 25th (like Brits, Americans, etc.) out of convenience.


3. Christmas tree: Austrian Christmas trees are usually fir trees and are put up on "by the Christkind" (it's of course the parents doing it) on the 24th or the night before the 25th. The children don't get to see the tree until the handing out of presents and usually don't notice it when their parents put up the tree, but this has been changing recently too.



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 4. "Frisch und gsund"(Fresh and healthy): This is a tradition carried out by children until age 14. They go from house to house on December 28 and bring well-wishes for the next year. There is a specific saying they have to say while giving the person soft spanks with a twig for good luck and they get money in return.

 

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5. "Neujahrsspielen": This is another tradition meant to bring well-wishes for the next year, however in this case, it's small music groups (e.g. from marching bands) instead of children. They play or sing short songs and say poems, for which they also get money and sometimes drinks (non-alcoholic and alcoholic, usually Schnapps) and Christmas cookies. This tradition is carried out between Christmas and New Years Eve.

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6. 3 Holy Kings: Another tradition are the 3 Holy Kings. They are usually played by children that go from house to house to collect money for charity and they bring good luck for the next year in return. They come anywhere between Christmas and January 6 and also get drinks or cookies.

      
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