6th of December is coming soon, Hungarian children are waiting Santa Claus (or Father Christmas). The origin of the feast is connected to Saint Nicholas who gave presents to his neighbor’s children, as to the tale. Starting from this legend, Santa Claus was illustrated as an old man in coarse clothes with mitre, who lived in Heaven and watched children from there. His assistants were buffers, angels or elves.
This picture and the feast itself changed in the 20th century and became global – it is said that the Santa Claus illustration of Coca Cola became well known worldwide. The assistants disappeared beside him. His figure came to stay: white hair-moustache-beard, red clothes with belt, boots, big red sack, big tummy and smiling face. His person separated from the saint, although he is frequently called Nicholas in Hungary, the Father Christmas name is rather in use. (He is Santa Claus in Anglo-Saxon countries, Joulupukki in Finland, Nikolaus in German speech areas and Gyed Maroz in Russia). According to the new background story, he lives in the North Pole, his toy- and present making factory is also there, where elves are working. His sleigh is pulled by nine reindeers with which he can even fly. Children write letters to him before Christmas about the desired presents.
The date of presenting in Hungary is still 6th of December, day of Nicholas. He puts presents for good children and rods for bad children in the cleaned boots and shoes under the cover of night. He goes around the world during the night of Christmas and hands out the presents according to traditions of other countries which he puts under the Christmas tree or in the hung stockings after crawling in through the chimney. The bad gets coals instead of rods in Anglo-Saxon countries.
Decorate our home with Christmas ornaments even to this feast getting moody surprises by the presents in the morning. Ask for help of an interior designer for choosing the decoration fit for your home.