Zuzana Slovak: Christmas traditions in Slovak

Zuzka Slovak describes her day at Sumava Peksa Park, discovering Slovak Christmas tradions.

I would like to warmly thank to the Australian Slovaks' Association in Victoria and especially one amazing lady, Majka Garland for a fantastic idea and organizing this fabulous event 'Christmas traditions in Slovak' held on Sunday, 27 November 2011. The participation confirmed even St.Nicholas himself! The event was a huge success, each participant left with a smile and a wonderful feeling from an eventful day...

The event was scheduled on the first Sunday of Advent but November weather in Melbourne is always surprising. The rain was on the way. After Majka's message that St Nicolas will come even if the tractors were falling from heaven a stone fell off all the children hearts. Me and my family traveled with joy to the pleasant surroundings of the Šumava Peksa Park.

The day began with creative workshops where children and adults alike tried decorating gingerbreads, made a Christmas tree decorations, lounges and a gift box with a Christmas theme and Christmas tag. There are no boundaries for imagination in workshops and everyone found their own little Christmas treat.

After we celebrated Sunday Mass held by Slovak priest Peter Dikoš and shared delicious lunch prepared by all visitors to promote their Christmas specialties, we tuned into an interesting narrative of Majka Garland who explained and demonstrated the traditional set up of Slovak Christmas Eve table and shared with all the present long list of Slovak Christmas traditions. Some of these rituals were also new for me and so interesting that I am going to include them into my family's Christmas repertoire.

As all the traditional stories were told the smell of Christmas wafers filled the hall. Dear uncle didn't stand a chance to produce the pile as all the kids surrounded him and spread the delicious Christmas snack. Smell of Christmas wafers brought in wonderful memories of Christmas and all those magical moments of our childhood.

Highlight of the day was undoubtedly the arrival of St Nicholas and the children's play in Slovak and English, where children presented the story of the Advent candles.

St Nicholas with his helpers the devils and angel arrived just in time to listen to short poems, songs and see children's dances. It is a tradition that St Nicholas reward a small sweet surprise to all the dancers, singers and poets. Mums and Dads were proud of their children and didn't hesitate to immortalize the precious moments by taking pictures with the St Nicholas and his helpers.

 At the end of the day the raffle was drawn and a lucky winner took home a gingerbread house. The closure of the entertainment were nice chats with relatives and friends on a sunny Šumava Park.

THANK YOU to all the organizators! We had an amazing time and we are looking for next activity. Marry Christmas.

Zuzana Slovak