Czechs have many! And Christmas Eve is sort of more significant than Christmas Day. As for food, carp and carp soup with potato salad. A carp scale is often kept in wallets for a year for good luck. There is a tradition where each family member lights a candle on a floating walnut shell. The shells that float away indicate travel or possibly marriage. Those who stick to the bowl side stay home. Also, burning of frankincense for spiritual purity. Burning of one candle per week as an advent leading to Christmas. Eating a special sweet Christmas bread called vanočka or another called Bishop's Bread, that has special religious meaning. Of course many Christmas cookies of various varieties. Melting then cooling of lead, with the shape of the cooled led predicting the future.

In Czech Republic, Saint Nicholas doesn't bring kids presents on Christmas. He brings only small ones on the Feast of Saint Nicholas, earlier in December (around Dec 6) when accompanied by the devil and an angel (three adults dress up as these and have special roles). On Christmas Eve evening, before the dinner, Little Baby Jesus comes and brings presents and the decorated Christmas tree. Then all open presents after Christmas Eve dinner. Christmas Day also includes a dinner, but a more laid back one. The day after on December 26 (Saint Stephen's Day) is also a family visitation Day.

What might/did you get for yourself for Christmas?