Czech Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve in the Czech Republic is celebrated with a feast. The carp, which was purchased prior to this day and which may have been kept alive in the bathtub until ready for cooking, is the featured dish.
The Christmas tree is decorated on Christmas Eve. Traditionally, the tree was decorated with apples and sweets, as well as traditional ornaments. Today, commercially purchased Christmas ornaments may be used to decorated the Czech Christmas tree.
It is Baby Jesus (Ježíšek) rather than Santa Claus who brings children presents on Christmas Eve. Baby Jesus is said to reside high in the mountains, in the town of Boží Dar, where a post office accepts and stamps letters addressed t him. On Christmas Eve, children leave the room where the Christmas tree has been put up until they hear the tinkle of a bell (rung by parents) indicating that Baby Jesus has come with gift