Heartfelt story: Sri Lankan children receive gifts from Hungarian Santa
Tamás Smidt and his wife Zsuzsa have brought festive joy and cultural exchange to their adopted home in Sri Lanka, blending European traditions with local life. From launching a unique Santa Claus Day celebration to year-round acts of generosity, their efforts have created lasting connections and meaningful moments.
Overcoming cultural differences
Travelo writes that Tamás Smidt and his wife Zsuzsa embraced a new chapter in Sri Lanka over nine years ago, eventually launching a travel agency catering to Hungarians with cruises, exotic holidays, weddings, and retreats. In 2016, they introduced a unique Santa Claus Day tradition, blending European culture with local life by organising festive events to delight children and foster community spirit. Initially celebrated under the banana trees on 6 December, the couple later adapted to local customs by adding Christmas Day festivities too, resulting in two joyous celebrations each year. Their efforts reflect a heartfelt cultural exchange in Sri Lanka. Tamás says:
Since most of the population is Buddhist, they do not celebrate Christmas or Santa Claus. The small Christian population does, but they also only celebrate on 25 December according to the Anglo-Saxon system. Their most important day is 14 April, the first day of the Sinhalese and Tamil New Year. They also give each other presents. A nearby pearl fisherman told me that he had heard of Santa Claus with a big beard, but he never came to Sri Lanka. So we decided to bring him here and surprise the children in our village with a little something.
Santa in Sri Lanka
Tamás and Zsuzsa carefully prepared for their first Santa Claus Day in Sri Lanka by estimating the number of children expected, creating Sinhalese flyers with the help of a local friend, and buying gifts. On the big day, they set up in front of the village chief’s house, ready to bring festive joy. Despite challenges like sourcing a Santa suit suitable for Tamás’s 1.85 m height—creatively solved with Zsuzsa’s sewing skills—they focused on the essence of the tradition.
Their initial event included simple treats like fruit and sweets, but the true highlight was Santa Claus himself, or Nattalthaththa in Sinhalese, captivating children and curious elders alike. The tradition has since grown, with Sinhalese children eagerly embracing the novelty. They trustingly line up, smiling and craning their necks to glimpse the gifts being handed out, displaying a heartwarming openness.
Gifts from Hungary
Tamás and Zsuzsa have touched the lives of many in Sri Lanka through their acts of generosity, extending beyond their annual Santa Claus tradition. They have distributed gifts such as Sport bars, school supplies, and clothing, with contributions even coming from Hungarian guests. Their support continues year-round, as seen when Tamás helped a friend repair a flood-damaged home and offered financial assistance, which transformed the family’s living conditions. These heartfelt moments of giving back have become a cherished part of their life in Sri Lanka.
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