In Austria the Christmas season starts on December 5th when Krampus (think Santa’s alter ego) goes around and beats and whips all the naughty children. The good children leave a shoe outside their door that night and St. Nicholas (from whom we derive Santa Claus) puts fruit and nuts in them while they are sleeping. On Christmas Eve Austrians put up their Christmas trees often decorating them with candles (I’m still not sure how that works). During the afternoon on Christmas Eve the Christkind (or Christ Child) comes around and delivers gifts under the tree. If that wasn’t odd enough the ChristKind is almost always depicted as a female angel.
Does anyone know of any other country’s Christmas traditions?
Alter-ego?!? Santa is more like the poop on the bottom of my shoe! The mighty Krampus will not obey anyone but himself! Now, bring me twenty krapfen!
Good Children in Austria do not leave their shoes for Nick to fill! No, they wait for him to appear fully dressed in Bishop gear. He knows if they have been naughty or nice.
If nice, a sack of treats comes out, if naughty, well, they are left to Krampus, and your imagination.
Sorry Matt, you should check your facts. The Christkind does not come in the night. He comes late afternoon after the children have been distracted by their fathers and return home to find their tree mysteriously decorated and lots of gifts under the tree. Thanks Mom.
As with many traditions, there are various versions and distortions. I have been assured by several Austrians that their children do leave a shoe out to be filled by St. Nick.
You are right that the Christkind comes in late afternoon, and I have made the necessary edit in my post.
Thanks for your help.