Christkind, St Nicholas & Christmas trees

Nowadays Christmas is regarded as the epitome of the family celebration. The customs and rituals associated with it are often seen as unchanging, time-hallowed traditions. But like many other things, Christmas is also subject to changes in fashion. Once a church solemnity celebrated in merry conviviality, today, notwithstanding the consumer frenzy now associated with it, Christmas is still seen in Austria as a time of tranquillity and is above all as a celebration for children. The Christmas tree, the now ubiquitous seasonal symbol, first appeared in Austria during the Biedermeier era – not least thanks to the Habsburgs.