At christmas eve (24 of december) in most of the families the living room is closed for the children. The parents are decorating the christmas tree alone. In the afternoon the children go to church to see a nativity play. After returning at home there is dinner. Often there is a  tradition, what to eat at christmas eve. In many families there are for example Wienerle mit Kartoffelsalat (frankfurter (small sausages) with potato salad).

When the dinner is finished, some noise from the living room - like ringing bells - can be heard or the children are allowed to look through the keyhole, whether there is some light in the living room. This means, that the Christkind (a kind of angle or little child with wings, which brings the presents) was already here and the family can enter.

In the living room, they often sing or play christmas charols and than the presents can be opened.

At Silvester (new years eve, 31 december) many families have fondue for dinner, so they can spend a lot of time with eating. Then they are playing some games together. At midnight first they wish "Ein gutes und gesundes neues Jahr" (Happy and healthy new year) and embrace each other. The adults clink glasses with sparkling wine. Than they go outthere and start sky rockets and bangers (to make a lot of noise).