Advent Wreath, Christmas Tree & Co.: The Christmas Habits of the Austrians
Every year, the joy of Christmas returns, for many even early: One in three people (35.2 percent) feel the first hint of Christmas spirit already at the end of November. This is shown by a survey conducted by bellaflora, carried out by marketagent. The centerpiece of the decoration remains the Christmas tree for the majority, which will not be missing in 8 out of 10 households this year.
Advent Wreath Firmly Anchored as Tradition, Especially in Rural Areas
The Advent wreath holds a particularly high value in rural regions: While 42 percent of respondents nationwide set up an Advent wreath in their home, there are clear regional differences. In the rural areas of Upper Austria, Styria, and Carinthia, almost every second household (50 percent) decorates with an Advent wreath during the pre-Christmas period. Noteworthy is the strong tradition of DIY – many families take the time to design their wreath by hand.
Making an Advent wreath is more than just decoration – it's a ritual that connects generations and heralds the anticipation of Christmas. For a quarter (25.4 percent) of respondents, decorating is generally the moment when the Christmas spirit reaches its peak.
Fir Remains Austrians' Favourite Christmas Tree, Younger People Decorate Earlier
The classic fir continues to dominate Austrian living rooms at 56.5 percent. In addition, living Christmas trees are winning the hearts of 16 percent of Austrians, and modern artificial trees are favoured by 10.2 percent.
Particularly interesting: The tradition of tree decorating is given a new interpretation by different generations. While the slight majority (51.7 percent) of respondents decorate the tree traditionally just before the festival, the younger generation brings the Christmas magic into the house much earlier - for 45 percent of those under 30, the tree already shines in festive splendour by mid-December.
Even Houseplants Are Not Safe from Christmas Decorations
Another trend can also be noticed among the younger generation: houseplants are being transformed into original Christmas trees. From the decorated Monstera to the festively adorned cactus - there are no limits to creativity. This flexible approach corresponds to the modern lifestyle: Less than half of Austrians (43.2 percent) actually celebrate Christmas in their own four walls. At the same time, more than one in six (17.4 percent) completely forego a Christmas tree - whether due to lack of space in the apartment, because the holidays are spent with family or friends, or because the elaborate decorating is perceived as too cumbersome.
Sustainability as a Quiet Trend During the Christmas Season
While the focus is clearly on festive design, an interesting picture emerges on the subject of sustainability: Only 39 percent of respondents state that sustainability is important to them during the Christmas season. Nevertheless, sustainable products are gaining ground in practice - about two thirds of Austrians now use LED Christmas lighting.
The environmental awareness is particularly pronounced in the different age groups: Generation Z values sustainability and regionality when giving gifts or creates homemade gifts. Those over 40, on the other hand, increasingly rely on the reuse of decorations and wrapping paper.
(Red)
This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.