It’s Christmas Eve here or “ajunul Craciunului” as the Romanians say. They don’t make as big a fuss over Christmas Eve as we do, but the Orthodox Christmas actually lasts three days – so don’t fret, I’m not getting shortchanged.

Yesterday the snows came and have continued today. All indications point to a white Christmas for the village of Cudalbi, which invokes nostalgic memories for me but could pose trouble for local horses who must pilot their carts through the wintry mess. With conditions such as they are, chances are good I’ll actually find myself “dashing through the snow in a one horse open sleigh.”

Another volunteer from a nearby city wanted to experience village life so he’s staying with me for the holidays. He’s from Los Angles, and this snow craziness is rocking his world. Yesterday, he wore three pairs of long underwear and was still freezing.

For New Years, we’re traveling with two other volunteers to Budapest, Hungary.

Traditional garb for the New Year

One major Christmas custom here is to slaughter a pig. I once heard the proverb, “There are two things you never want to see being made: Sausages and Laws.” I’ve now witnessed both processes and have concluded that sausage-making gets a bad rap.

This is my first Christmas away from home, but my Romanian friends are taking good care of me. My visiting friend and I are making the rounds, indulging in homemade wine, fresh sausages and special Christmas deserts. We’re going caroling tonight with the priest’s children, and afterwards I’ll read “Twas the Night Before Christmas.”

It's nothing like making laws.