The Austrian gift-bringer who traditionally visits children on 6 December is Saint Nicholas.
Saint Nicholas Day commemorates Nicholas of Myra, a fourth-century Christian bishop associated with generosity and secret gift-giving. In Austria and other parts of central Europe, children may receive small presents, sweets, nuts, or fruit on the evening before or the day of 6 December.
Saint Nicholas is frequently portrayed wearing a bishop’s clothing, including a mitre and staff. In Austrian custom he may be accompanied by Krampus, a frightening figure who represents punishment or warning. The two characters are related in seasonal folklore but are not the same person.
Saint Nicholas Day is separate from Christmas Day gift-giving. In many Austrian households, Christmas presents are traditionally associated with the Christkind, while Saint Nicholas brings earlier, smaller gifts on his named feast day.