Christmas Day

Today is what I'd call Christmas Day.  In the Czech Republic, Christmas runs over 24 December (vánoce), 25 December (první vánoční svátek),  and 26 December (druhý vánoční svátek) - respectively Christmas, then the first and second Christmas holidays.

The 25th is also referred to as the Christmas Feast (Boží hod vánoční) and the 26th is also known as St. Stephen's Day (Sv. Štěpán).

Traditionally, both days are characterized by family visits and festive meals. The customary meal is baked goose or duck with cabbage and dumplings. Although turkey is becoming a popular substitute here.

At the Christmas Day meal, a place is left empty in case the Christ Child arrives for dinner.

It has snowed here for the last few weeks. Go figure, that on the 23rd, it warmed up enough for all of the snow to melt. So much for having a white Christmas. Dang it!

I didn't feel like dealing with a tree this year. Pine needles all over the floor would drive me crazy. So add some stars, lights and a tree skirt to existing home decor and presto...I have my very own Czech "Charlie Brown Christmas tree."