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Submitted by M. Elias, Chandler
It was customary in Hungary -- and perhaps in much of Europe -- to celebrate St. Nicholas Day on December 6th. As I remember, it was essentially a children's holiday. On this particular very cold winter evening we all hung our stockings in the window and awaited the arrival of St. Nicholas and his helper, the Krampusz (a devilish creature) to receive our just reward -- or punishment.
Very few children slept that night. St. Nicholas brought gifts and sweets to the good children, but oh, if you were naughty, the Krampusz left only coals and potatoes in your stockings. I remember St. Nicholas Day, when I was 5 years old. It was late in the evening and I was I already in my bed. The doorbell rang! The maid "answered" the door! She knocked on my door, and when she entered, she had this lovely doll in her arm. "A gift left by St. Nicholas!" she announced. It was a truly beautiful doll, attired in a hand embroidered apron, a colorful peasant skirt and blouse and a headdress. I was so happy, I could hardly believe my good fortune! Today, 69 years later and many countries away, she is still sitting on my dresser.
Germany
Submitted by H. Gilbert, Chandler
Every Christmas eve was the same wonderful ritual in our family. My mother would bake 10 batches of the best Christmas cookies with us in the kitchen. My dad played "Christkind" (the Christ child brings the presents in Germany) with a bottle of "Steinhager Schnapps".
Finally we would hear the bell ring which announced that the festivities of opening gifts was close and all 5 of us would wait in anticipation on the landing in front of the Christmas room. Then, finally, the third time the bell rang we all entered the room and I was always so fascinated - there was the Christmas tree totally covered with live candles and beautiful ornaments - breathtaking!! Lots of little candles on the tables with pine boughs pinned to the cloth and, of course, beautifully wrapped presents. Before we could open them we would all stand in front of the tree and sing the first verse of three Christmas songs.
Holiday Traditions in Hungary and Germany
Holiday Traditions in Latvia and Mexico
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