​6th of December. Not snowing yet, but the chilling air, slowly colouring or cheeks to red, clearly carrying the promise of winter holidays coming. Children don't have to wait for Christmas though. Anticipating the sweet surprises, they start cleaning their boots and putting them to the windows, so the good old Saint Nicolas would find his way to all those who deserve to be rewarded after all year of being good and kind. Nice or naughty? Naughty or nice?

He knows. Everything. But he also knows, that there are children in this world, who aren't as lucky as to be growing up in their families, with loving parents and siblings. He also knows that people who take care of those children might not have enough means to make some days for these children as special as they would deserve. We know it, too. And we decided to change it. Students of universities in Trnava managed to collect many sweets, toys and books, that they might not need anymore, but that could bring happiness and joy to someone else. All these donations were carefully packed into presents with one intention. To cheer the children in an orphanage in Trnava. Being an important part of all that's happening in the students life in our city, the Erasmus students wouldn't miss the opportunity to take part in this good deed. They didn't hesitate to put on masks and costumes and dressed up as the Saint Nicolas and his angel, surprise all 43 kids in the orphanage. Each of them was keen to recite a poem or sing a song to deserve their bit of secrets hidden in St. Nicolas' bag. No matter the age, no matter their life story, their fears and worries. In that moment, they were just happy. The smiles on their faces and sparkles in their eyes when unwrapping their presents was unforgettable.

The power and magic of that night showed us what really matters. How grateful those less lucky can be, how much they can appreciate all little things. We felt touched and happy. We more than willingly accepted the offer to stay a bit longer, to play and talk. To prolong those moments we were glad to share with the kids, watching us with gratitude and happiness. That visit lasted just a couple of hours, but the good feelings remain.

Text: Eva Galková

Foto: Michaela Uhorskaiová