Christmas Eve is very special in Hungary. After 4 p.m. no public transport is running in Budapest. Everyone gathers with their families. So did I, as I was invited by Gábor and Kati Draskóczy.
When I first celebrated Christmas Eve with them, many years ago, all of their eight children joined us. Now six of the eight have emigrated, the eldest married a Swed, four have moved to London, for reasons of work, study or marriage. The sixth will move to London with his family the middle of January. Making a living in Hungary as a very gifted violin maker has turned out to be impossible.
Gabor's explanation: in today's Hungary it is impossible for young people and their families to make a living without the financial support of their families. In cases where that is not possible only one option remains. Obviously their situation is not unique. The plane which brought daughter Judit from London was full with young people visiting their families over Christmas. Unnecessary to comment that for Gábor and Kati visiting their children and 11 grandchildren often involves using the budget flight options of Europe to the full.
We had a wonderful time together, celebrating Christ's birth and the significance for us today. Gábor and Kati are always an example to me of openness, love and hospitality.
You will not be surprised that according to the famous Hungarian custom I went home with the fruits of Kati's baking gifts, I received the so called: utravaló, "for on the way", the "left overs" you receive after visiting friends.
