Did Mikulas visit you?

December 6 is a special day in Hungary. It's when good boys and girls wake up to find that Mikulas or the Hungarian Saint Nick or Santa has climbed through their window the previous night to put candy and perhaps a small present in their shoes.

But he knows that American children also await a visit. However, his sack can only carry so much and America is a much larger country with many more children.  He knows too that American children expect more than just candy and a small present. So he takes advantage of the six hour time difference between Hungary and Florida to dash over to check on what they want him to bring when he returns to Florida in about three weeks with a bigger sack of surprises.

This year in Flagler Beach, Florida, Santa parachuted to the beach and rode a firetruck into town while being protected from the evil Grinch by police on horseback and cops with machine guns.  A marching band heralded his coming with "Jingle Bells" and "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" while his helpers tossed candy canes and chocolate bars to the children. One of the most enthusiastic trumpeters was our granddaughter.

 By the way, a little birdie told me that Santa will find lots of sweet boys and girls in Florida awaiting his wonderful Christmas surprises!