Christmas in Hungary Christmas in Hungary Christmas in Hungary is celebrated with traditions similar to those found in other Central European countries ("See:" Christmas worldwide) as well as customs unique to the region. The Christmas and gift-giving season starts relatively early compared to other cultures, with the Santa-like figure, or Hungarian version of Saint Nicholas, Mikulás (or Szent Miklós) traditionally visiting the homes of Hungarian children on the night of 5 December, on the eve of Saint Nicholas Feast Day, 6 December. Although the role of gift-giver on Christmas Day itself is assigned to the Christ Child, on the night before St. Nicholas
Order of Saint Nicholas Thaumaturgus (Wrangel) Order of Saint Nicholas Thaumaturgus (Wrangel) The Order of Saint Nicholas Thaumaturgus was instituted during the Russian Civil War on April 30, 1920, by the Commander-in-Chief of the Russian White Army, General Wrangel, to replace the highest military award of the Russian Empire, the Order of St. George. St. Nicholas was considered the patron saint of the White Army. The order is an iron cross, in the center of the cross is a circle with an image of Saint Nicholas Thaumaturgus on dark-blue enamel. Around this image is a laurel wreath, the symbol of glory. Around the wreath is the