Having been born in Romania and having lived there a little over two decades, Christmas and New Year is probably one of the most colourful times of the year. It's a complex country with complex traditions where Romanians, Hungarians, Germans, Turks, Romas and a few other nationalities all celebrate in their own unique way all the while borrowing from those around them as well.

Living in the West now, I have to say, it mostly has become a season of exhaustion, overspending and loneliness. Quite the opposite of what it's meant to be.

Craciun fericit si la multi ani!