Christmas magic in Austria: traditions from the poodle mother to the Christmas tree!

In a humorous and festive atmosphere, Silvia Schneider and Armin Assinger went on a trip through the most beautiful Christmas customs in Austria on December 2, 2024. As part of the ORF program "Christmas in Austria", they discovered traditions that are unique in the nine federal states. The two moderators started their tour at the deep snowy Katschberger Adventweg in Carinthia. They did not leave a stone on the other than, among other things, a crèche carver who made a figure of Jesus for the Pope, and a lively woman who revealed all the secrets of gingerbread house building, like tvheute reported.

A special anecdote caused a hearty laugh when Armin Assinger was confronted with the custom of the "poodle mother". While Silvia explained the tradition known in Styria and spoke of an old lady who brings apples and sweets into the houses, Armin fell from all clouds. "Poodle ... what?" He asked in astonishment and thus ensured a laugh in the audience. Silvia gave an entertaining explanation that this figure was only mentioned in Styria, while most other Austrians know the Christ child as a large part of the Christmas season, such as reported.