Stress before Christmas

These are the hard-working helpers of the Christ Child

Sophie Illecker's gingerbread factory in Molln produces over 50 varieties of gingerbread.

(Bild: Wenzel Markus)

Advent is the quietest time of the year - but for many it means pure stress. The last few days before Christmas are not only busy in the shops, but others are also needed to help the Christ Child. Read on to find out who is doing more than usual to make Christmas Eve a festive one.

Monday afternoon at the Ö3 live show "Knoll packt an" in the Christmas Museum and at the Christkindl post office, on Wednesday evening photo action in the Advent village on the town square, on Thursday a visit to a retirement and nursing home: the Steyr Christkindl's calendar is packed just before Christmas. After all, six women share the tasks and take it in turns to slip into the dark green costume.
You can see who all contributes to a successful Christmas here in the slideshow - just click through.

Six women - here Sophia Buchberger - take it in turns to slip into the costume of the Steyr Christkindl to cope with the many appointments.

(Bild: Wenzel Markus)

Earlier start of service, exceptionally also open on Mondays: Franz Brandl (2nd from right) and his team get the ovens baking.

(Bild: Bäckerei Brandl)

The postal logistics center in Allhaming has increased its staff by 80 employees during the stressful period.

(Bild: Wenzel Markus)

From fir trees to glitter: the Deko Sisters from Bad Leonfelden decorate many company buildings and even entire halls for Christmas parties.

(Bild: Die Deko Sisters)

Peak season for Christmas tree growers: around 400,000 trees are sold in Upper Austria by December 24.

(Bild: Scharinger Daniel)

The team at the postal logistics center in Allhaming has been increased by 80 employees to sort 300,000 parcels a day. In addition, around 100 more delivery staff than usual are on duty throughout the province. At the Illecker confectionery and gingerbread factory in Molln, the peak season that began in mid-August continues: More than 50 varieties of gingerbread are produced here.

We currently have over 1900 delivery staff in Upper Austria, which is around 100 people more than during the year. The majority are postal workers who work part-time or part-time and increase their hours at Christmas.

Post-Sprecher Markus Leitgeb

At the Brandl bakery in Linz, the day off on Monday is sacrificed for Christmas. "We will also be open on December 23," says Franz Brandl. The Christmas tree growers are busy until a few hours before the presents are given: many people buy their trees at the last minute.

The Deko Sisters from Bad Leonfelden have been in constant use for weeks: company buildings and even exhibition halls are festively decorated by the Mühlviertel women to provide a festive setting for Christmas parties in particular.