Christmas Eve (24th December) is celebrated as „Štědrý den“, which means "open-handed day“ Gifts are brought by „ Ježíšek“ (baby Jesus)
The gifts are displayed under the Christmas tree (usually a spruce or pine), and people open them after their Christmas dinner.
A traditional Christmas meal is fried carp with potato salad, and wine Variety of Christmas cookies to offer to Christmas visitors
People are taught to fast on Christmas Eve until a ceremonial dinner is served, in order to be able to see a "golden pig". ´Koleda´ is the tradition of strolling, singing, and having fun on Christmas Eve; it means also a "carol".