Even though Germany and Austria have similar Christmas traditions and celebrations, there are some differences!

Christmas is undoubtedly the most important holiday in Austria. As in other European nations, December 6th is the day Saint Nicholas, the giver of gifts, makes his rounds. Clothed in glittering Bishops robe and accompanied by his devilish assistant, Knecht Rupnecht, he can occasionally be seen roaming the streets giving sweets and apples to good children while his companion playfully beckons "little sinners" to feel the string of his golden rod.

On December 24th, when the city is frantic with last minute shoppers, the countryside is a refuge for quiet traditions. Farmers chalk the initials of the Three Wise Men on the archway of the stable door; C for Caspar, M for Melchoir, and B for Balthazar, to protect the heard from sickness in the coming year.

Christmas trees are lit on this day and in many villages "shelter-seekers" plod through deep snow from farm to farm re- enacting the plight of Mary and Joseph as they sought shelter on the eve of Christ's birth.

Carolers gather in church towers and village squares to guide the people to Christmas services with their melodies. All shops, theaters and concert halls close their doors for this is an evening spent with only with family

Following church services, families return home for their more intimate celebrating. First Christmas Eve dinner is served, often with "Gebackener Karpfen" (fried carp) as the main course. Dessert may be chocolate and apricot cake called "Sachertorte" and Austrian Christmas cookies called "Weihnachtsbaeckerei" (yes, this is the actual spelling).

After the meal, the ringing of a bell signals the opening of a door long locked against the anxious eyes of the little ones. For the first time the children are permitted to witness the Christmas tree glistening with lights and colored ornaments, gold and silver garlands, candies and cookies. Beneath the tree is usually arranged an elaborate manger scene. Almost every family owns hand- carved manger figures handed down from generation to generation.

Father opens the Bible and reads of the "Kristkindl," Christ Child. Then all sing traditional Christmas carols such as "Silent Night" and "O'Tannenbaum." After this the presents are distributed and opened.

In Austria, there is no Santa Claus. Children are taught that their presents have been brought by the "Kristkindl," a golden-haired baby with wings, who symbolizes the new born Christ. The story tells how the Christ child comes down from heaven on Christmas Eve and, with his band of angels, decorates and distributes trees.

Advent wreaths are made of various types of Christmas greenery used with a combination of other decorations. The wreath is then suspended by ribbon on a decorative, colorful stand. Four candles, representing the four Sundays before Christmas, are attached to the wreath. The first candle only is lit on the first Sunday, the second candle is lit on the second Sunday, and so on; all four candles are lit on Christmas day. Christmas day.

Shopping for Christmas ornaments, candles and toys can be so much fun.

Similar to our American traditions of decorating with lights, Austia lights up beautifully!

"Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht" (Silent Night, Holy Night) is one of the most famous Christmas Carols in the world. The German lyrics were written in 1816 by Joseph Mohr, a Roman Catholic priest from the town of Oberndorf near Salzburg, Austria. The music, by Franz Xaver Gruber, was specifically written for guitar. This rather uncommon arrangement for its time was first performed on Christmas Eve 1818 as the broken organ of the Oberndorf Church would not allow for traditional Christmas music to be played.