On Christmas Day we continue eating all day long and we visit relatives. Are these traditions similar to yours? Share your comments .

Later in the night, the traditions begin. One of the most iconic ones is tombola. The cards are handed out, someone draws the numbers, and suddenly everyone becomes serious. People shout, “One!”, “Çinko!”, “Tombalaa!”, or complain that they missed a number. Snacks cover the table—sunflower seeds, chocolates, nuts—and of course, someone is always peeling and eating mandarins, filling the room with that fresh citrus smell.

As midnight approaches, families start the countdown. When the clock hits 00:00, everyone hugs and celebrates the new year. Some go outside to watch fireworks, others stay inside and enjoy the cozy atmosphere. But no matter the house or city, New Year’s Eve in Türkiye always feels cheerful, warm, and full of hope—accompanied by laughter, tombola calls, and the scent of mandarin.

This dish is very popular because it brings families together. On Christmas, relatives often visit each other and eat stuffed cabbage together at the table. The smell of the food cooking in the kitchen makes people feel warm and happy. Many people think that stuffed cabbage tastes even better the next day.

In Hungary, almost everyone has eaten stuffed cabbage at least once in their life, and for many people it is a special food that reminds them of home, family, and holidays.

Do you have a meal like stuffed cabbage in your country?

In Hungary we have a huge Christmas Market in front of the Basilica. This market is on the top 3 most popular Christmas Markets list in Europe. It opens on November 14th and closes on January 1st. The best time to visit this market is after 17:30, becouse there is a 3D light show around that time, it’s truly spectecular. Other pragrams are Live music, Concerts and skating. We have many other Christmas Markets for example on Vörösmarty Square, in Debrecen and in Eger. Would you be intrested in seeing them? Which one would you like to visit?

Indoors, Hungarian homes are decorated with pine branches, an Advent wreath, candles, and handmade ornaments. The Christmas tree is adorned with szaloncukor, glass baubles, and lights.

Outdoors, houses are brightened with string lights, window decorations, garden ornaments, and illuminated stars. Many families decorate the fence, balcony, or entrance with warm glowing lights, creating a festive atmosphere in the whole neighborhood. Do you prefer indoor or outdoor Christmas decorations?

In Hungary gingerbread/mézeskalács has been made for centuries, and it is not only a sweet treat but also a form of folk art. Traditional Hungarian gingerbread is often decorated with white icing and colorful patterns. Typical shapes include hearts, stars, flowers, and sometimes small figures or animals.

In the past, it was given as a symbol of love and friendship, especially in the form of a heart-shaped gingerbread. Even today, many families in Hungary bake and decorate mézeskalács together during the Advent season, making it an important part of Hungarian Christmas traditions.

Does your country have a traditional sweet baked good?

Mulled wine is one of the most popular drinks during the winter season. It is usually made from red wine and heated gently with spices like cinnamon, cloves. A bit of orange and sugar makes it warm, sweet, and unique. Many people enjoy it at Christmas markets or at home during cold evenings and makes our cold evenings warmer.

Have you ever tasted it?

The Advent Calendar makes waiting for Christmas more fun and exciting. Some families buy ready-made calendars, while others create homemade ones from paper, fabric, or small bags.
In recent years, adults also enjoy Advent Calendars with tea, coffee, beauty products, or even small books.

Do you use Advent Calendars in your country? What kind of surprises do you like to find inside?

During the advent period a lot of people volunteer or donate due to the christmas spirit. In our lovely school there are fundraisings organised every year. For example, we have a Shoe Box programme when students bring chocolates, little toys and shoe boxes so they can make pakages and wrap them. After that, the nicely wrapped shoe boxes donated to children who are orphan or their families can not afford presents for them.

There are also different types of charity out of school as well. Many of us donate money or clothes for the ones in need.

My family donates every year at least something small.

I hope after this little summary you will donate something small as well.

In Hungary it's a tradition for families to go to the Opera and watch the performance together. It's connected to Christmas, because the storyline takes place on Christmas Eve. The Opera plays it especially in December as a tradition.

Have you ever seen The Nutcracker?

People believed washing clothes “washes away” luck and health from the home.

• What you do on Christmas, you’ll do all year

This is why people try to stay peaceful, tidy, and avoid arguments on this day.

• Lentils = Wealth

The many small lentil grains symbolize coins. The more lentils you eat on January 1, the more money you’ll have.

• No cleaning, washing, or taking out trash

Because you would “throw out” your luck for the new year.

• Pork = Good luck

Pigs “root forward,” pushing luck toward you. That’s why people eat pork roast, sausages, or keep pig-shaped charms.

What superstitions do you follow?

Have you ever seen it?

🎉 New Year's Eve parties at home or out

Gathering at home with family or friends:

Preparing food (turkey or oven-baked dishes are particularly popular),

Watching New Year's Eve programs on TV,

Playing games,

Countdowns.

Special New Year's Eve programs prepared in restaurants, hotels, and entertainment venues are also quite common.

🎁 Exchanging gifts

Although not a mandatory tradition, small gifts are exchanged, especially within families and between couples.

🎄 Decorating the Christmas tree

Although it is often confused with Christmas, decorating a Christmas tree is a common decoration tradition in Turkey.

“May 2026 be filled with people who are good for my heart.”

“This year, I will treat myself much better.”

“I enter 2026 with hope, a pure heart, and a clean slate.”

“May each day of my life in 2026 be a little better.”

“May 2026 bring me better things to replace what I have lost.”

“The name of this year: peace.”

“May the bad things stay in 2025, and the good things overflow into 2026.”

“May 2026 help me rediscover myself.”

“The new year means new opportunities. Welcome 2026.”

💫 2026 Wishes

“May 2026 bring you health, prosperity, and happiness.”

“May everything you wish for come true this year.”

“May your face always be smiling and your heart always at peace in 2026.”

Merry Christmas to you all!