6 December – The day of Santa Claus

6 December – The day of Santa Claus

Santa Claus is Mikulás in Hungarian. This name comes from Slavic languages and it is closely related to the Hungarian name Miklós.
6 December is the ‘nameday’ of Miklós so we celebrate Santa Claus this day.

The so called ‘nameday’ is a very important occasion in our culture. Every name has its day and most of the ‘namedays’ are on the same date every year. On this day, families celebrate together, meet for dinner and wish a happy long life for the celebrated person.
So that’s why Santa Claus comes to Hungarian children this day.

Santa Claus was a very kind bishop in the Middle Ages who made and brought gifts for poor children. He put small bags by the door where these kids lived.

Hungarian children polish their boots and put them by the window or the door on 5 December. During the night, Santa Claus comes and usually carries a small red bag with chocolates, candy and small toys in it for the children.

Certainly, there are parties this day too. Santa Claus pops in nurseries, schools, actually he goes everywhere. Children sing songs to him and they get some candy.

Nowadays there are a lot of ‘Santa Claus parties’ in Cafés for adults just for fun.