Join the new world

Light sparkled on walkways and plants alike from the slowly rising sun - bouncing off ice crystals onto nearby surfaces. Their soft reflections signified winters approach. But even as some life begins its annual dormancy, others re-emerge from slumber. Familiar songs begin to play from radios; wreaths return to entryways, while the mysterious poinsettia finds its place within homes. Lights adorn the sharp lines of houses, as well as trees.

And as if it might just be their purpose, these decorations have a way of inviting people back. “I'm lucky to have a quite big family,” said jemby. “We usually spend Christmas Eve at home, but on the First Day of Christmas we get together and celebrate Christmas with [everyone].” These get-togethers for her family are always a group effort, with everyone contributing in some way. “My Aunt is like the chief hostess of the [event], so we help her out in the preparations. For me it's [usually] tiramisú, or some kind of roast chicken.”

With the meals prepared - a type of fish being traditional for Christmas Eve, with turkey and sauerkraut being standards for the main festivities, everyone also looks forward to the beigli, a traditional Hungarian dessert. A roll with bittersweet poppy seeds forming the filling, jemby admits “finding a decent poppy grinder” can be one of the biggest challenges of the holidays. But there always ends up being enough, “so everyone can take some home as well,” she said.

Eventful Months

Jemby’s tenure as Minister of Foreign Affairs has been a busy one at times. Assuming office on October 6th under the lazo administration, shortly into the month the nation found itself facing down the threat of invasion from the United States. “I was lucky to be the coordinator between the Hungarian HQ and our government,” she said - a position where she helped in the smooth response that saw the invasion quickly halted, and then repelled entirely. ”I think our relations with Hungary are very-very strong, and there are many reasons for that (history, strategic position, demographics), and I hope it'll stay like this in the future as well.”

Strong, too, are the relationships with other neighbors - although Austria’s position is certainly not without challenges. “It's always a juggling act for us, because with our position and power we have deal with our neighbors with great care,” she said. “But it's a very good practice for our leadership I think. It's way more challenging than just giving orders to the army when we want to invade this country or that.”

Since the conflict with the United States ended last month, Austria has seen peace begun in lazo’s administration continue into OEBernd's, with several training wars in the meantime. “I hope now we're facing the golden times of peace and growth for Austria,” jemby said, while continuing, “but the thing is: the tide is always turning.” The very challenges that can be more rewarding to navigate, can have a way of interfering with other plans. “Of course we should give our best to have a whole country with more bonuses, but in a little country like this, we always have to be prepared for [challenges].”

Reflections

But to jemby, these difficulties don’t harm what is important. "I don't think it's the bonuses that keeps people here [anyways], but the community,” she said. “We have the 'luxury' to act as our heart dictates, and be committed and loyal to our friends. Of course we should in return expect them to care about us, and treat us with attention and respect.”

There are also steps we can take to strengthen the community at home - making the peaceful times more enjoyable, and giving strength through challenging ones. “I'd like to see more fun articles, or even just a more active media,” she said. “I think in this term the government communication is absolutely satisfying. OEBernd is very committed journalist. We all saw his great tutorials, and now he's doing a thorough job with the bulletins.”

Just as the warmth of the holidays can bring people together, ultimately jemby feels there is some lesson in this that can extend here as well. “I think it's always a good advice to stick to your principles, your comrades and friends for the better and for the worse,” she said. “You can only enjoy true happiness if you have the right people around to share it with them.”