These markets became more and more popular, and people began to buy gifts for each other to celebrate the holidays. Some popular gifts that are still found today include roasted chestnuts and colorful decorated gingerbread.
Austria is a very cold country in the wintertime! There are many mountain ranges and lots of schnee, or snow. It gets dark very early in the day, and the sun sets by 4:30 p.m. during December. This tradition started so that people could have access to food and goods during the cold winters, but now Christmas markets help people to forget about the cold, snowy weather! Friends and family gather around outdoor fires with mugs of warm drinks so you feel warm both inside and out. Some favorites include hot chocolate, Eierpunsch, a warm version of eggnog, or my personal favorite, Glühwein. Glühwein is hot mulled wine with fruit and spices, but if you're not old enough for a mug of it, they serve a version for kids called Kinderpunsch!
