Catholic Christmas

At Christmas, the whole of Austria quiets down because it is a purely family holiday.The approach of Christmas in Austria is very noticeable. About four weeks before Christmas, Advent begins in Austria, a period of fasting and waiting for Christmas celebrations. At this time, a special wreath is decorated in houses, on which four candles are installed. On the first Sunday of Christmas fasting, one candle is lit, on the second two, on the third Sunday three candles are lit, and on the eve of Christmas, on the last Sunday of Advent, all four candles are lit.

At the same time, Christmas bazaars began to work throughout the country. The tradition of their arrangement originates in the Middle Ages. The Vienna Fair is the oldest fair in German-speaking countries. The right to hold it was obtained from Duke Albrecht I in 1298. The oldest such bazaar was in Vienna on the street Graben. Now the Christmas markets with the same punch, mulled wine, jaga-tee (the Austrian version of mulled wine is strong hot tea, but with the addition of spices, schnapps and red wine), all sorts of sweets and Christmas toys can be found in every district of Vienna. Near them are small green oases where you can buy a fresh tree. Shops on Saturdays throughout Advent work longer than usual - so that everyone has time to buy gifts to relatives and friends.

In Austria, chocolate and pastries are given for Christmas. The crowns are often sent gifts to friends and business partners by mail.

At Christmas, Vienna and the whole of Austria quiet down, because it is a purely family holiday. Traditional on this evening on the table are carp, goose and sausages, although, of course, each family has its own traditions. A festive atmosphere and a sense of home comfort reign around, evoking vivid associations with the magical world of Hoffmann and Andersen.