Czech Xmas
Christmas comes early here. Christmas Eve (24th December) is celebrated as Štědrý den, which means “Generous Day”, when the gifts are given in the evening. The 25th and 26 December are Public holidays in the Czech Republic and in Slovakia.
Xmas in Brno
According to tradition, gifts are brought not by Santa but by Ježíšek, or “baby Jesus”. People usually fast on Christmas Eve and only eat a spot of sauerkraut soup to keep them going during the fasting period; traditionally children are encouraged to fast alongside the adults with the promise that the best amongst them will see the “golden pig”, which brings good luck. Fish soup and breaded roasted carp with special homemade potato salad are a traditional dish for the dinner. The gifts are secretly displayed under the Christmas tree (usually a spruce or pine) by one of the adults, usually just before or during dinner. Children have to wait for the ringing of a Christmas bell (one of the decorations on the Christmas tree) – the sign that Ježíšek (little Jesus) has just passed by – to run for the presents. That happens at the end of Christmas dinner meaning – early delivery…..
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