Szent Múkolás

Santa Claus came yesterday. In Hungary, Santa Claus does not come on Christmas Eve to fill your stockings. Nope, he comes December 6th to fill your stockings. He brings candy and sweets and little goodies. Then, on Christmas, JESUS comes and brings you the big toys. That's right, Jesus comes to your house. Does He ride a sleigh? Does He come down the chimney? I don't know. But there are two different days to get presents from two pretty important people, so you don't get them confused like you do in America. So yesterday Santa Claus came into the teacher's room with a tray of candy, and everyone started singing a song, and then Santa's helpers (no, not elves), two girls dressed up like devils, gave us the treats. I stood there in confusion and intrigue, and then dove in and ate. There's not much else you can do in such a situation. Another exciting Christmas tradition around here are the Christmas markets. There are vendors who set up little wooden booths in the city squares and sell trinkets, sausages, and hot wine. We even have a little market in the tiny square in Vác, although there isn't any food, and the things they sell look like thrift store purchases, which could be fun to check out. I'm going to Budapest next week to revel in their Christmas market, and then to Vienna which apparantley has the "best of the best." In short, if you are expecting Christmas presents from me, wait till January, because these markets are going to be my prize shopping malls. As you open your presents Christmas morning, just think, "the best is yet to come."
What will I be doing for Christmas, you ask? I will be staying here in Hungary, for Christmas Eve and Day I'll be going to Danielle's flat in Budapest, to have a small gift exchange and a meal. There are very few of us who are staying here for Christmas, so we will celebrate together. After that, a few teachers are going on a road trip, and I will be delighted to do absolutely nothing. I will probably hop around Vác to different homes and spend time with people doing absolutely nothing. Maybe talking, maybe some eating, maybe a movie or two. It will be so wonderful. I'm ready for a little break.
I'm getting psyched up for the szálagávató. This is a dance/party for the seniors who get these ribbons, perform a little dance for family and friends, then a waltz, then they get to stay and dance, and the teachers get their own room with food and dancing (hahaha), and then a lot of them go to discos (clubs) and stay out all night. Another teacher called it "the best night of their lives." Wow! And I get to witness it. It will be cool because Elize is inviting our whole church (practically) to the event, so there will be so many people there, I think it'll be a blast.
I'm really hungry. Why is lunch so far away? What a long day.