Do you still believe in Santa?

Christmas is a bit different in Austria.

They don't have Santa Claus. Instead they have the Christkind (Christ child) who brings gifts to the children on December 24th. The "Weihnachtsmann" is an American import, and a controversial one at that.

Advent is what marks the beginning of the Christmas season in Austria. In the USA it all begins the day after Thanksgiving (well, the shopping part). As we've mentioned before, there are markets set up around town where people gather for shopping, drinking, and hanging out.

Each of the four Sundays leading up to Chrismas during Advent, a candle is lit on a wreath.

Krampus comes on December 5th to punish bad children.

St. Nicholas comes on December 6th for the good children.

The Christkind comes on December 24th to bring gifts.
December 24th is also when the Austrians have their big family gathering and celebration, where we traditionally celebrate on the 25th.