The American-Austrian Cultural Society
Cordially invites you and your children to enjoy the traditional
Advent Celebration at an afternoon with St. Nikolaus and Krampus
Sunday, December 4, 2011
From 2.30 – 4:30 pm
At
The Church of the Annunciation
Parish Hall
3810Massachusetts Ave
Washington, DC20016
This charity event will benefit children in SOS Children’s Villages in Austria and the United States.
By making an extra contribution to the charity, either by mailing your check along with your attendance confirmation to the address below or by making your donation at the door on December 4th, you will be eligible to win one of two fabulous prizes – Two tickets to “Salute to Vienna” on January 2nd 2012, at Strathmore or a lovely, hand-embroidered Austrian tablecloth.
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Reservations
For an afternoon with St. Nikolaus and Krampus, December 4, 2011
Name(s)Adults: ______
Children [names / ages] :______
$ 25 per family
Please issue your check to the American-Austrian Cultural Society and mail before November 29th, 2011 to:
American-Austrian Cultural Society
c/o Ulrike Wiesner
5618 Dover Court
AlexandriaVA22312
If you wish to make a contribution, please issue a separate check ( $ ______) to “SOS Children’s Villages – USA” and you will receive a tax receipt for tax-deductible SOS contribution.
For questions, pls. contact (703) 941 0227 or email
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St. Nikolaus and his companion Krampuswill come for a visit. St. Nikolaus will tell his story and give each child a small present and an advent calendar. There will be a reading of Christmas stories and a sing-along of seasonal tunes. As usual, Austrian master chef Wilhelm Jonach will provide wonderful Austrian treats for children and adults.
As this year’s special treat, The Alpine Singers under the leadership of Herb and Carol Traxler will delight us with traditional advent melodies.
St. Nikolaus’ Day – December 6th
On the night of December 5th (in some places, the evening of December 6th ), in many communities in Austria and the Catholic regions of Germany, a man dressed asSt. Nikolaus(who resembles a bishop and carries a staff) goes from house to house to bring small gifts to the children. He is accompanied by Krampus, a ragged looking, slightly scary looking fellow, who mildly scares the children. AlthoughKrampuscarriesa“Rute”(a switch), he only teases the children with it, while St. Nikolaus hands out goodies to the children. In some regions, there are other names for both Nikolaus and Krampus (Knecht Ruprechtin Germany). Sometimes Krampus/Knecht Ruprecht is the good guy bringing gifts, equal to or replacing St. Nikolaus. As early as 1555, St. Nikolaus brought gifts on Dec. 6, the only “Christmas” gift-giving time during the Middle Ages, andKnecht RuprechtorKrampuswas a more ominous figure. St. Nikolaus and Krampus don’t always make a personal appearance. In some places, even today, children leave their polished shoes by the door or by the window on the night of December 5th. They awaken the following morning to discover small gifts and goodies stuffed into the shoes, left by the saint and his companion. Children who have been “bad”, however, may find pieces of coal instead of sweets….
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About SOS Children’s Villages
In 1949, the first SOS Children’s Villagewas founded in Imst, Austria, by Herman Gmeiner. SOS Children’s Villages are active in over 130 countries and territories today, including the United States and Austria. Contributions by sponsors help to ensure the children’s well-being, education and integration into their local community.
The American-Austrian Cultural Society disclaims
any liability for personal injury or property damage suffered during or arising out of the event