Giving and receiving
In connection with our project on the theme of taking responsibility for the community, we planned this year’s Advent programs. On Silver Sunday in December, we took part for the third time in the Advent Charity Gala of the Csiky Gergely Theatre. On this occasion as well, the theatre delivered the donations brought by the audience—such as toys, sweets, non-perishable food items, and storybooks—to underprivileged children and families living in difficult circumstances. Through our participation, we too contributed to maintaining the balance between giving and receiving.
As in previous years—this being our third time attending the theatre’s Advent event—we received exactly what we had hoped for: an incredibly colorful performance that essentially showcased Kaposvár’s cultural heritage. Personally, these events win me over every time, as people of all ages and tastes can find something to enjoy. The Academy’s drummers, the modern and jazz dancers of the Nita Dance Club, the theatre’s actors, the Military Band, and the Somogy Dance Ensemble all took the stage. The latter holds a particularly special place in my heart, as I was able to see former dance partners and friends perform.
The second occasion of our Advent preparations took place on December 19. We spent a warm, festive afternoon together at our family Advent event, which made the season of waiting even more meaningful through the handover of Advent food packages and shared activities. On this occasion, we hosted young people supported by the Kolping Support Service of Kaposvár, who live with disabilities and under challenging life circumstances, and who actively took part in the shared experiences. The festive atmosphere was further enhanced by the Könyvespolc band, who surprised us with a deeply moving concert.
Afterwards, three activities awaited the participants: a creative craft workshop, fragrant gingerbread baking, and cheerful board games, all of which provided meaningful and joyful recreation for every age group. Creating and playing together offered an excellent opportunity for getting to know one another, for conversation, and for tuning into the spirit of Advent. It was also a great chance for open and honest discussions, mutual understanding, and connection. This family Advent day once again reinforced that community, attentiveness, and acceptance of one another are the true essence of the holiday. I am very happy that we were able to spend time together with those supported by the Kolping Service and get to know each other through shared activities.
The Könyvespolc band made the holiday season even more beautiful with two concerts. In the village of Kaposfő, people of all ages listened in complete silence and rewarded the performers—Sarolta Kovács-Nagy and Levente Sipos—with thunderous, unending applause. Their success was repeated in Kaposvár as well, during the city’s Festive Gala Program on the large stage set up in Kossuth Square. On this occasion, the band was joined by musician friends, delighting the audience with original compositions and Christmas songs.
During the Advent season, we received an especially unique gift—one that was not (only) tangible, but an immensely valuable intellectual one. In the framework of an unconventional literature lesson, we were gifted the presence of the world-renowned Italian children’s author Davide Cali. Cali is the author of outstanding books such as The Enemy, translated into thirty languages, and The Happiness Seller. Younger readers continue to adore I Didn’t Do My Homework Because… and I Was Late for School Because…, which serve as brilliant idea collections for everyday school life.
Davide shared that until the age of twelve, he himself was a diligent, school-loving student; however, from the beginning of adolescence, avoiding school became a primary goal—a period that also inspired several of his books. Often referred to as a “rock star of children’s literature,” the immensely popular Italian author was a guest of the MATE Kaposvár Campus, and thanks to Professor Gombos, we were able to welcome him as our guest as well. The meeting began in Italian—with the help of an interpreter—and then, drawing on our English skills, evolved into a smooth and exceptionally pleasant conversation.
We learned from the author that he writes books with a distinctive style and atmosphere for both children and adults; that he originally approached literature as an illustrator and visual artist—an experience that continues to shape his creative work today. He prefers shorter, more concise, and denser forms of expression, leaving much to the reader’s imagination. His messages often carry philosophical depth and meaning. This is accompanied by a unique visual world, and although he works with several illustrators, his collaboration differs with each of them. His books enjoy enduring popularity: among older readers for their sharp humor, and among younger ones for their quickly readable texts and amusing events.
Our time at the Kaposvár Community House was filled with rich, tangible, soul-soothing experiences—moments lived with humor and others that brought tears to our eyes. Throughout, we strove to maintain the balance between giving and receiving.
We wish everyone a “true holiday… a more authentic life, and a peaceful Christmas,” as we heard in the lyrics of Piramis, performed by Könyvespolc.
A photo report of the events can be found in the Gallery.
Jázmin Pretz, Lilla Fekete, Angéla V. Sárközi