Mikulás bacsi!

Mikulás and Krampusz handing candy to the children in the stores

It's a special day in Hungary today. Mikulás bacsi (St. Nicholas/Santa Claus) is coming to town. All the little boys and girls will put their polished boots next to the window before they go to sleep. During the night, Mikulás will come and fill their boots with candy, fruit and small gifts. That is, if they have been good! Naughty children receive a wooden spoon or a switch.
Yesterday we went to the mall where Mikulás bacsi talked to the little kids and gave them candy. We were surprised to see young ladies in sinister black costumes accompany him. We learned that these are Krampusz, kind of like elves, but these elves are the ones who leave the switches for the naughty children. We were also surprised to learn that, though Mikulás brings treats on December 6, it is Baby Jesus who brings presents on Christmas!

Chocolate Mikulás

The stores have been filled for weeks with all kinds of candy, especially chocolates, including chocolate Mikulás figures for parents to give to their little ones. Nancy loves chocolate. She was wondering if Mikulás will bring her chocolate if she puts her boots by the window tonight--does he bring treats for the young at heart, too?