The annual Christmas gift tradition continues across Hungary in celebration of the Christian holiday.
Most Christmas or winter gift-bringers are represented by a man or a (godly) child and bring presents on St. Nicholas Day (6 December), at Christmas (24 or 25 December), New Year (1 January) or Epiphany (6 January). However, the Three Kings, Christmas lads and the Angel also enriches the European folklore tradition.
Hungarian children usually receive gifts twice during the season. Small toys, candy and sweets appear in their shoes put on the windowsill on 6 December. As a reminder to be good, some children will receive branches from trees alongside other small gifts. Other traditions include the Baby Jesus bringing presents or even the Christmas tree at Christmas time.
In Hungary, in the Czech Republic, and in some parts of Belgium or Italy, Christmas gifts come from baby Jesus. He arrives on Christmas Eve or in the morning on Christmas day. Hungarian children living in Transylvania, Romania are visited by the Angel instead.
According to custom, Hungarian children usually need to go to their room or for a short walk with an adult family member to let Jesus to do his job. In many households, bells ring when children are allowed to enter the room to see the presents under the decorated Christmas tree.
In the meantime, English children are waiting for Father Christmas, Santa Claus visits Finnish families, and since Communist-times, Grandfather Frost visits Russian households. In Poland, Star-man, Saint Nicholas, Jesus Child and the Angel are also active around December.