What will Father Christmas bring us? A question we get an unexpected answer to from an 18-year old girl: “It is enough for the whole family to get together. I don’t even want presents,” says Elena. “I’m not really very keen on other days when we are supposed to celebrate – not even my birthday. Christmas Eve is so cozy and comforting. The atmosphere, the family warmth, the anticipation.”

“The day itself, the tradition is what touches me, because the family gets together and we all sit down at table,” Elena goes on to say. “And everything is delicious on Christmas Eve – even things I don’t otherwise like. I don’t know why but it happens every time…”

That was the first answer we got to Radio Bulgaria’s question: “What will Father Christmas bring you?” “Health and happiness – that is what really matters”, says 25-year old Victoria. Who is Father Christmas? - this is the question we put to one young lady. “We are Father Christmas. Whatever we do, we’ll have the same thing coming to us,” says Victoria. What does Father Christmas look like? “I think he is old, has a white beard, you can cuddle up to him and feel safe in the modern world.” Do you miss fairytales in our computer world?” 

“I do miss them, because everything now is PR, everything is glamorous, yet artificial,” says Victoria. “The best thing is when I go home, when my mother makes beans and we get together on Christmas Eve. When a family is closely-knit, when there is health and happiness, nothing else matters.”

Lalka and Stanimir, aged 26 and 22, are having a heated argument. The girl is saying that to her, Father Christmas is “my friend, my mom and dad.” Right, three in one! Stanimir wants Father Christmas to bring him a… Snow White. “Twenty and pretty. What else do you need?” We ask a young father with a three-year old daughter: “What is the real Father Christmas like?” “That’s an odd question,” he says. “If Father Christmas existed, then perhaps the world would be a better place.”

In the centre of one of Sofia’s malls, Charlie and her chocolate factory are showering children with sweets. “I want Father Christmas to bring my family health and a job, lots of cheer and magic. Because in everything we do we must put in a drop of magic and a lot of love,” says 30-year old Vladimir Hristoskov. Father Christmas has just brought him the best present ever – a baby! Do we need fairytales; we ask Charlie who lives amidst fairytale characters! 

“Yes! We need a fairytale with a good ending. Since 1989 we have been heading for that fairytale…Our parents used to say: for you things will turn out alright. Now we are saying the same thing to our own children. Let’s hope so, but I have my doubts!”

Colourful boxes and toys, a royal throne and in it – the figure of a venerable white-bearded old man. But who are you, we ask him. “I am the man handing out smiles and presents, I am Father Christmas! “So, what is Father Christmas going to bring Father Christmas?” “Tell me first which Father Christmas should give the presents and which should receive them!” – The man in the red coat laughs. Does the real Father Christmas receive presents? “Yes! And they are the smiles of the children. Because true happiness is when everyone is happy,” What will Father Christmas wish all Bulgarians? 

“Unity. Because unity makes strength – that is what it says on parliament building,” says the wise old man. But all protestors target this very building. “Yes, because we are not united. I wouldn’t want this conversation to become political,” Then old man says and is Father Christmas once again. “I would like to wish everyone health and lots of smiles! And I wish that the flicker of hope never goes out!”

Merry Christmas! And never stop believing in fairytales. The kind that never end…


English version: Milena Daynova