Krampus und Nikolo

So the Austrians celebrate Christmas a little differently than we do back in the States. First of all, they celebrate advent, so every Sunday leading  up to Christmas, we sit together as a family and light a new candle on the wreath. Advent also brings lot's of chocolate, and I have two advent calanders, which means I'm getting real fat! Christmas is celebrated on the 24th of December when the Angels bring the presents and kids get to open them all. Then on the 25th, there is usually just a large family meal together. On the 6th, is Nikolo. That's when St. Nick comes and leaves presents and/or coal on your windowsill. If you haven't been a good kid, then the Krampus come, and steal your candy. Krampus are like devils/monsters and are actually quite scary. Last Friday, I went to a Krampuslauf, an organized event where monsters run around and with whips and chains and try to steal candy from kids! I was at an organized event, so I was only hit lightly and had an awesome night! But sometimes Krampuslaufs can get out of hand, usually when a Krampus has had too much to drink, and people die every year in Austria from these events. Needless to say, I was definitely a little freaked out!

Yesterday, Nikolo, was a day full of gifts! It started off with the surprise of Austrian candies and desserts on my windowsill, and a pair of Austrian wool slippers! I have such an awesome family! Then, at school we are playing Engerl Bangerl (Secret Santa), and I got a present from my angel! It was a bag full of chocolate, clementines (a typical Nikolo gift), holiday tissues, and Christmas tea! As if that wasn't enough, when I got home, my package from mom had arrived! So I got to open that and look at all of my wrapped presents! I am so excited to open them, and even more excited to read the letters! Along with the presents came some of my favorite cereal, Cheez-Its, Reece's, and chocolates from Hawaii. It's good to have a little piece of home here for the holidays, and it helps me get through some homesickness! But the way I see it, I only get one holiday season in Vienna, and I'm not going to waste it being homesick! It is amazing how quickly this year has gone by! Last Christmas, I had just received the news that I would be spending a year abroad in Austria, and here I am a year later already four months into this once in a lifetime experience!