- in case a hotel has Austrian guests that day 😉
Story 1:
In Austria, people celebrate Nikolaus and Krampus on December 6th. This is a very old tradition. It comes from St. Nicholas, a kind bishop. He helped poor people and gave gifts to children. Today he is called Nikolaus. He wears a red or white robe and has a bishop’s staff.
On the evening of December 5th, Nikolaus comes to children’s homes. He asks if the children were good this year. Good children get presents. They can get nuts, chocolate, mandarins, or small toys. Children are happy and excited. Some families put a plate with gifts for Nikolaus.
Nikolaus is not alone. He comes with Krampus. Krampus is scary. He has horns, fur, and a big bell. In the past, Krampus punished children who were bad. Today Krampus is mostly part of fun.
In many towns there are Krampus runs. People dress in costumes and walk in the streets. There are also small events, music, and shows for children.
Nikolaus and Krampus are very important in Austria. Children love the gifts and the events. Families enjoy this special time before Christmas.
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Vocabulary:
- a tradition – something people do every year or a long time.
- a bishop – a man in the church with a special job.
- a gift – something you give to someone to make them happy.
- to wear a robe – to put on a long, special piece of clothing.
- a bishop’s staff – a stick a bishop carries.
- a present – the same as a gift.
- a toy – something children play with.
- to be excited – to feel happy and a little nervous.
- a plate with gifts – a flat dish with gifts on it.
- to be scary – to make people feel afraid.
- fur – the soft hair of an animal.
- a bell – a small thing that makes a sound when you move it or hit it.
- to punish children – to give a child a penalty when they are bad.
- a Krampus run – a street event with people dressed as Krampus.
- to dress in a costume – to put on special clothes to look like someone or something.
- an event – something people do together for fun or celebration.
- to enjoy – to feel happy and have fun with something.
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Story 2:
A long time ago, there was a man called St. Nicholas. He lived many years ago in a place called Myra. He was a bishop. He was very kind. He helped poor people. He liked to give gifts to children. People remembered him and wanted to celebrate him every year. This is why we have the tradition of Nikolaus.
In Austria, Nikolaus comes on December 6th. He wears a long robe and carries a bishop’s staff. He visits children and asks if they were good. Good children get presents. They can get nuts, chocolate, mandarins, or toys. Children are happy and excited.
A long time ago, there were also stories about Krampus. Krampus is scary. He has horns, fur, and a bell. He was used to punish children who were bad. Today, people celebrate Krampus runs. People dress in costumes and walk in the streets. There are small events and music for children.
Nikolaus and Krampus are part of Austrian history and culture. Children enjoy the gifts and the events. People remember St. Nicholas and the old stories every year.
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Vocabulary:
to be kind – to be nice and good to others
to remember – to not forget something
to celebrate – to have fun on a special day
