Eurojournal - Christmas in The Village

Christmas has been quite magical for us. On the eve, we attended church where the children performed and we said good bye to the congregation very tearfully. It was a beautiful ceremony. The lights were shut off as we sang Silent Night in Hungarian with lit candles. Eva then led the women’s chorus in songs. She dedicated one song to their American friends. I cried the entire song. Csaba let us come to the front to say goodbye to everyone. The women’s chorus gave James and I gifts, amazing gifts. We were speechless. We each received handmade Szekley shirts. What an honor and privilege to be here. Later we went to Csaba’s house to open presents with Csaba and their whole family. It was short but very warm and sweet. I was able to meet both Eva and Csaba’s parents. I connected with Eva’s mother, a very sweet, warm and loving woman.

Christmas day was celebrated with more church. I went and left the kids at home. It was communion. This is done only a few times a year. Again I was tearful. The women come up first to accept the bread and wine. We stand in a circle while Csaba comes to each of us and offers us communion. Nothing like Catholicism. It is more about the community forming, thus the word Communion. It is about eye contact and connection. After we all receive our communion, the men line up and form a circle in the front. While I am in church the women behind me, most in the chorus are fixing my new shirt they made. They are straightening my collar and smiling. Near the end of the service, Csaba says goodbye to us and James gives a speech saying goodbye. Again very tearful. The final song plays and it is time to go. Csaba leaves first, then James followed by myself. I see them going and it really hits me that THIS is the last time we will be in church. I really cry now, walk out and give Csaba a big hug and weep. We form the receiving line and greet everyone coming out. Eszti-Neni is still crying. She was crying before church. We hold each other and cry together. I step back and get a picture of the receiving line, the last one we will be sharing with the villagers. What a beautiful place. What beautiful people.