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As a rule Christmas is a holiday with
the family. Christmas Eve is mostly celebrated with close
relations only. Preparations for Christmas Eve start during
the afternoon with adorning the Christmas tree ('Christbaum').
Some families use colourful toys, straw stars, small bells
and crystal balls, self-made items and even chocolate, sweets
and fruits. Lit candles finish the design. Some prefer a less
colourful assortment and use crystal balls, silvery or golden
adornments and candles. The Christmas crib ('Krippe'),
a figurative depiction of the Holy Family in the stable where
Christ was born, is erected. Afterwards children are out of
the room, so that the 'Bescherung' can take place:
the 'Christkindl' (Austria's equivalent of Santa Clause)
brings presents and places them below the tree.
When the children return the Christmas tree is lit. Christmas
carols are sung and Christmas stories are read. Strictly speaking
Christmas Eve is still part of the fasting season with Christmas
carp or sausages being the traditional meal. But again, it
is not unheard of that Christmas cookies are nibbled on this
occasion. Finally, the presents are opened and the evening
is spent in happy contemplation of the gifts until it is time
for Christmas services ('Christmette'), which
take place at midnight.
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