December is a special month of the year that often brings beautiful, warm and pleasant stories of people who selflessly give of themselves for each other to bring joy and happiness to these pre-holiday days. One such story, worthy of attention, has been told for a few years by the residents of Kratka Street in Štafilić.
- A little will and a good idea were enough for all the neighbors to meet on the street in Kaštel Štafilić one December, a few years ago, and start decorating together. Christmas letters rang out, bells rustled, baubles were scattered, boxes were taken out of the attic, cables were stretched...even the official post office for the North Pole was introduced. Santa will be delighted. The street is decorated, and the program is planned. Soon the scent of kuglofi, cookies, oranges from the gardens and mulled wine began to waft. Whoever comes, is welcome - they say from Kratka ulica.
Namely, as its name suggests, this street does not have many houses. But it has the most important thing – a lot of joy, laughter and children's happiness. Almost every house is inhabited by a young family, and since the number of children has been increasing, the street has become more lively year after year.
The neighbors wanted to create something together, something that the children would remember fondly. So three years ago, Kratka Street shone in its holiday splendor for the first time. Each family set aside a part of their decorations for the shared street – some brought lights, some baubles, some bows and figurines. Fences and yards were decorated, decorations were arranged, balloons were blown up. Everyone took part in the decorating: grandmothers, fathers, mothers, children, and even pets. Children write letters with special care, put them in the mailbox, and eagerly await the gifts.
As a final touch, a week before Christmas, all the neighbors get together again and throw a real little Christmas party. The street fills with laughter, conversation, and that special sense of community that is rarely seen, despite the differences and occasional disagreements that arise throughout the year, which is normal.
At the end, children receive symbolic gifts, and adults receive an even greater gift – pride in preserving this small but valuable tradition together.
- This is a time when we remind each other that, besides the journey, we also share life – and everything that goes with it. We are in numbers and healthy, we are getting older, the children are growing, time is passing… and everything is just as it should be in our Short Street – they say.
- And so, for the third year in a row, this street shows that the real magic of Advent does not come from big cities or luxurious squares, but from the hearts of people who know how to be neighbors. Five houses, a short street, some children, a cat or two, a lot of togetherness and a lot of love. Long live the neighbors and Advent on the street. Happy holidays from the team from Štafilić – they conclude.
Photo: private album
