At dusk on the first Advent Sunday, the family may gather around the wreath to light a single candle and perhaps sing Advent songs or say an Advent prayer. Then, on the last Sunday before Christmas, all four candles are set aglow. One seldom hears a Christmas carol in Austria before December 24. The Advent season has its own special songs. Advent songs commonly combine themes of repentance and joyous expectations of the coming of the Christ child.
Advent calendars help to build a sense of expectation in many Austrian homes.
Every morning, beginning December 1, children open one little window on the so-called Adventkalender , with the last one being opened on the 24th. It is said that a person whose Barbara branch blossoms on Christmas Day can expect to be married the following year. December 5, is known as Krampus Day. Krampus is an evil spirit, or minor devil, most often clad in frightening fur. He has a long tail and a long red tongue and carries a rattling chain.