CHRISTMAS TRADITION DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE CARINTHIA AND CANADA

It is quite fascinating to consider all the different ways Christmas can be celebrated all over the world, isn't it? I think one of the things that makes Christmas so special is the traditions that take place every year. Whether it is some of your favorite foods, enjoying the beautiful lights, or spending time with family…there is a lot to look forward to during the holidays. The purpose of this blog post will be to outline the difference in traditions between my home (Canada) and my new home (Villach). Though there are many similarities there are some events that I have yet to notice, as well as new things that I have loved to discover.

In addition to the official Christmas lights in the center of Villach, there are also private houses throughout the city that are festively decorated. While most of the houses are rather subtly decorated compared to Canada, one house in Oberwollanig stands out with its "North American style" and is an annual attraction for locals. This year, however, it remains unlit due to energy saving reasons.

CELEBRATING ON THE 24TH VS THE 25TH

Another difference in tradition that has come to my attention is that in Canada, we celebrate Christmas on the 25th. I have recently learnt that in Austria, it is more common to celebrate and open gifts on the 24th. In North America, Christmas Eve is often a night to spend with family or go to late night church. In Quebec particularly, it is common to go to “Midnight Mass” and then your family comes home and eats traditional French Canadian food late at night. An example of this is a stew called 'ragoût aux pattes de cochons' which is made from pigs feet! Also, in Carinthia some families traditionally attend Christmas mass. In German this is called, ​​ “Christmette”. On the 24th, it is also a custom for many to serve a rather simple meal (compared to the festive meal on Christmas Day) - such as smoked sausages with sauerkraut. However, just like in Canada, every family has its own traditions.

In Canada children go to bed early on Christmas Eve, in hopes that Santa Claus will visit that night. Kids will leave cookies and milk for Santa Claus and carrots for the reindeer.  Then on Christmas morning, Canadians wake up and there are presents under our tree, and our stockings are stuffed with small gifts. Traditionally, if children are well behaved they will receive clementines and if they were naughty, they will receive coal in their stockings. I found it very interesting to learn that typically in Austria children don’t believe in Santa Claus, rather they believe in the so-called “Christkind” (Christ Child). This was something I never knew, and is such a large difference in tradition between Christmas in Canada or Austria! Christkind brings presents on Christmas Eve to the children. A special event in Villach during Advent is the Farmers' Advent - a festively staged procession in which the Christ Child arrives in Villach, accompanied by angels, shepherds and the Three Kings, which attracts thousands of spectators to the city center year after year. In Carinthia there is also a “Nice and Naughty” pre-Christmas tradition in which - as in North America - the good children are given presents. On the evening of December 5th, St. Nicholas (Nikolaus) visits the children's homes and brings the good ones a sack filled with peanuts, tangerines, apples, chocolate and gingerbread as a reward for their good behavior. St. Nicholas' companion is Krampus, who threatens the naughty children with his birch. Though, it is hardly usual anymore for Krampuses to accompany St. Nicholas when visiting children at home, there are a lot of spooky Krampus parades taking place in many places in Carinthia.

In Kärnten gibt es noch eine weitere vorweihnachtliche Tradition, bei welcher - ähnlich wie in Nordamerika - zwischen braven und unartigen Kindern unterschieden wird und die braven Kinder beschenkt werden. Am Abend des 5. Dezember besucht der heilige Nikolaus die Kinder zu Hause und bringt den Guten als Belohnung für ihr gutes Benehmen einen Sack gefüllt mit Erdnüssen, Mandarinen, Äpfeln, Schokolade und Lebkuchen mit. Der Begleiter vom Nikolaus ist der Krampus, der den ungezogenen Kindern mit der Rute droht. Obwohl es kaum mehr üblich ist, dass Krampusse den Nikolaus beim Besuch der Kinder zu Hause begleiten, finden hier in Kärnten traditionellen vielerorts schaurige Krampusumzüge statt.

Back to Christmas morning: Traditionally, a large brunch and Christmas dinner takes place on Christmas Day in Canada. Christmas dinner often consists of turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, roasted vegetables, dinner rolls and wine. Then, on the 26th (Boxing Day), often people will go shopping as there are a lot of extreme sales. In comparison, in Austria many people traditionally are having a roast with the family on December 25th. December 26th is still an official holiday where everything is closed and people can spend time with family.

In the end, I find it so interesting to learn about the differences in holiday practices in my home country and Austria. I would have to say these new experiences have to be one of my favorite parts of living here so far. I realize this is only a small portion of Austrian Christmas traditions and I look forward to discovering more.