Thursday December 6^th

After morning classes I came home to a christmas party of sorts. It turns out it is a Thurnher Family tradition to get St. Nikolaus to visit the house and bestow gifts on the kids. They hosted Trude,  Mafred and Heri for dinner and cake, then afterward Nikolaus and Krampus came. In the big city celebrations, Krampus has a huge scary mask and horns, but in Vorarlberg it is not as big of a deal, so it was just a man in a robe with a black beard. Nikolaus came and introduced himself, then Jakob played a christmas song on his guitar and sang along. Next, Nikolaus left Jakob hold his staff as he read from his book something about each kid (including me!). He gave a short description of all the good traits we have and he good things we have done this year, then Krampus gave each of us a burlap sack with gifts inside. I had no idea I would be included, but I ended up getting a large bag of gifts that night, and I am very grateful to “Nikolaus” for that. Inside was an array of candy and fruit, Axe body wash and spray, light gloves, long underwear and a base layer shirt. And it’s only the 6^th! Overall, it was a really fun night full of merriment.

I love Tiramisu

St. Nikolaus and Krampus

Jakob listening intently

Jakob playing his guitar and singing along

Beni getting his gifts

Jakob opening his burlap sack full of goodies

Saying goodbye

My gift bag

Having dessert

A layout of what I received