It’s Decembrrrrrrr…

Yes it is chilly here in Austria!

As my first Christmas in a cold location the whole holiday season is quite different to anything I have experienced before. Here are my top 6 tips for Christmas in the cold so far…

1. Glühwein

Yes, this insanely sweet beverage will be sure to keep you warm as you brave the near zero temperatures outside. This is basically hot wine (I know, amazing right!) and comes in red, white or sugar free! If this isn’t your thing then try a punch – rum, whisky or some other hard spirit mixed with hot juice.

2. Christmas Markets

If there is one they can do well in Europe it is Christmas markets. They smell like warm sugar are exceptionally cute and usually covered in fairly lights. You can get a lot of your presents there, except if you are looking for plastic toys. Austria has said no to plastic toys at the markets in favour of handmade products – something I really like.

You can buy your Adventkranz there – a wreath with 4 candles, 1 for each Sunday of Advent (every family needs one). You can also buy Vanillekipferl cookies. These were baked by my beautiful friend Luzia…AMAZING!

3. Let it snow

I am madly hoping for a white Christmas but sadly the Austrians say it will not be. At least not around Vienna. However, we did have a little snow preview a few weeks ago when it snowed all night and I awoke to a winter wonderland in the backyard. I made Elmar get up and play in the snow with me. I’m such a 5 year old!

4. Get in early with your tree

Let me tell you, if you want to put up a Christmas tree prior to the week of Christmas in Austria, you will be considered a mad man. And plastic trees are strictly frowned upon!

I insisted on carrying on the tradition of putting up the tree on the 1^st of December and then stood back and watch as Elmar had to explain to the people at the nursery exactly why we needed a tree ‘so early’. We had to order one. However, when it arrived we were told that it was cut under a full moon which apparently ensures that it will last longer than ones that are not…. Let’s see.

5. Embrace Mariah Carey

Yes it is strange, but the Austrians are yet to embrace the Christmas carols of the world. Therefore, the only ones you hear (on repeat…constantly…) are ‘All I want for Christmas’ by Mariah Carey and ‘Last Christmas I gave you my heart’ by Wham.

Yes this is true.

6. Be a good child….or the Krampus will get you

Here in Austria, there is no ‘Santa Claus’. (What the?!). But on the upside, as a kid there are MORE opportunities for presents.

On the 5^th/6^th December (if you have been a good kid) Nikolaus will visit you one afternoon and give you presents. However, if you have been a bad child the Krampus comes for you. What is a Krampus? It is a horned devil like creature that steals away naughty children in a sack and then eats them.

This is not a joke. It is seriously terrifying and may explain why Austrians like to obey rules and do the right thing.

Then on December 24 the Christkind brings more presents. She also puts up the Christmas tree. When she has put up the tree and dropped off the presents she rings a little bell and the children are allowed to come and open presents.

If these new traditions mean I am up for more presents, then I am all for them!