The feast of St Nicholas marks the beginning of Christmas in Austria. The saint accompanied by the devil, asks children for a list of their good and bad deeds. God children are given sweets, toys and nuts. Gifts which are placed under the tree are opened after dinner on Christmas Eve.

Brass instruments play chorale music from church steeples, and carol singers, carrying blazing torches and a manger from house to house, gather on the church steps.

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