Gifts that keep on giving

I wouldn’t know.

I’m one of the lucky ones. I have everything I need. Everything except a good grasp of Hungarian, but I’m working on it.

While the numbers are improving, the Egyensúly Institute’s 2025 poverty survey shows that for many here in Hungary, life is difficult. Some 45% of the population have to manage on less than 300,000 HUF per month (that’s ~€790 or ~$912). Last year, it was 56%, so things are improving. Considering 300k is what you need to cover the bare necessities, though, life can’t be great.

And that’s when things go to plan.

Only 29% said they would have the savings needed to meet an unexpected expense of 100k (~€262 or $304). For so many, family support is still a key part of the struggle. And for those who don’t have that fallback, it’s worse again.

What terrible timing for this report. Talk about dampening the holiday spirit! Who wants to be reminded that the world isn’t all champagne and chocolates or even pezsgõ and csoki.

But maybe we need reminding.

It’s year-end. This is when many charities start their fundraising drives. If you want to give but don’t know who to give to, these are some organisations I know and trust that are working to enable people and help them establish or reclaim their independence.

Utcáról Lakásba! continue their work to help rough sleepers move into affordable rental housing and provide the support they need to maintain it in the long run. They’re running their Christmas raffle until 10 December [tickets are 1500 ft each; write Tombola in the comments]. You could win a Valley of Arts day ticket, theatre tickets and season tickets, coupons, books, café and restaurant vouchers, and many other valuable and useful gifts.

Another organisation worth checking out is Haver. Their vision is of ‘a generation growing up with an open mind to cultural diversity and a willingness to challenge antisemitic biases. They will be the building blocks of a society in which peaceful coexistence is based on shared curiosity, understanding, and common values.’ What better Christmas gift could you want than that?

TAMI continue their work with the children and families in Tarnabod. I have huge admiration for this all-volunteer group who give so much of themselves to create a better tomorrow for some of the country’s most disadvantaged young people.

NANE (A Nők a Nőkért Együtt az Erőszak Ellen – Women for Women Together Against Violence) continues its 30-year fight against violence against women and children in Hungary.

Whatever your cause, as an individual or a company, be it homelessness, climate change, or chimpanzees, donate this Christmas. Donate in your name or in someone else’s name. Help these organisations to continue the work they’re doing; it’s work that needs doing.

But what about those who have no foundation behind them? The old man living in one room of a house that’s falling down around him. The old woman whose daughter is living abroad and too busy to visit or even send money for the medicine she can’t afford to buy. The young single mum who is making about 150k (€393/$456) a month and struggling to cope as her post-operative son hopes Christmas will be special this year.

Who helps them?

I can’t fix the world. I can’t redress the balance of inequalities. I do what I can and prefer to give directly to people rather than to organisations, unless I know the people behind the organisations, as above.

But hey, it’s Christmas. I should lighten up.

I make a conscious choice to shop local, even if it is more expensive. I support local artists and buy local produce and products. I was visibly delighted the other day when I could buy a water heater that had been made in Hungary. I’m sure the lads in the shop are still talking about me.

This Christmas, I’m all about books and art.

The wonderfully talented Marcus Goldson has just published a book of his work. I love how he sees Budapest. All his pieces have been inspired by real people in real places. A great Christmas gift for anyone with a grá for the city.

Vincent Baumgartner, the talent behind Buildings Tell Tales, has a book of his photographs out, too. This compilation of the city’s hidden architectural gems and the stories behind them is the perfect present for anyone interested in the built environment.

Artist Natalie Forrester continues her mission to paint one piece for each of the 988 pages of Ulysses. And she’s branched out to bags, shoes, and all sorts. Check out her gift shop.

Szilvia Fekete’s work is compelling. I have one of her pieces hanging on my wall, and it never fails to cheer me up. Therapy on a canvas.

Likewise, one by Emese Rosaliasdottir. Which she painted with someone else in mind.

And I’m following the fab Tibor Simon-Mazula, saving my pennies. I’m excited about his new landscape series.

When you’re shopping this Christmas, spare a thought for the planet and what the world needs. Consider giving consumables or gifts like art and books, gifts that keep on giving.

Support your local charities; we need them to continue doing the work we can’t. Support your local artists; we need the light they bring to an increasingly dismal world. But most of all, be present. Instead of concentrating on what you want, try being grateful for what you have.

For many, life is difficult. For all of us, life is short.

Boldog Karácsonyt. Nollaig shona daoibh. Happy Christmas to you all. May you find peace and harmony in your worlds, wherever you are.