Mikulás
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Mikulás (properly, Szent Miklós) is the Hungarian version of Saint Nicholas, and a similar figure to Santa Claus. This tradition is also well-known in the Czech republic (Mikuláš), Slovakia and some other Central Europian countries.
Although the role of gift-giver on Christmas Day itself is assigned to the Christ Child, on Saint Nicholas' feast day of 6 December Hungarian children traditionally place a boot on their windowsill waiting for Mikulás to come by and fill it with treats. While "good" children receive various fruits, candies and toys, "bad" children can expect nothing more than a wooden spoon or a willow-switch (Virgács) left by Mikulás' somewhat sinister elf-companion, Krampusz. (However, as no one is either all good or all bad, most children get both sweets and a switch.)
In Czech republic, Mikuláš is often accompanied by the Angel and Devil. On 6 December, they come to the houses where small children live and give them some presents. Mikuláš, Angel and Devil are often some dressed students who want to earn some extra money.
[edit] Treats
Treats are traditionally sweets, chocolate, candy and different nuts. In modern times, chocolate Santa figures are most common. To get the presents, your boots must be polished, because Santa does not fill boots that are not shiny enough.
Bad kids may also get onions, raw potatoes or a lump of coal in their boots next to their presents as a warning, that next year they might get only these.
Although presents are usually given to children by parents, it is not uncommon between adults to place small surprises (such as presnets or a Virgács) into the boots of others.
[edit] Virgács
The Virgács is often painted gold and is sold on the streets. The material used to make the Virgács can be simple twigs or branches from a bush, or the same material used to make brooms.
References: [1]
