Centuries ago, the western half of Czechoslovakia was known as Bohemia. This was the 10th century home of Good King Wenceslaus, the main character in the familiar English Christmas carol. It is said that English troops, fighting in Bohemia hundreds of years later, brought the song home with them.

An ancient tradition shared by the Czech Republic and Poland involves cutting a branch from a cherry tree putting it in water indoors to bloom. If the bloom opens in time for Christmas it is considered good luck, and also a sign that the winter may be short. The hope of early spring helps keep spirits up during the long dark winter.

On Dec. 24th, the day Czechs celebrate Vanoce (Christmas), little Czech boys and girls and kittens wait expectantly at their windows for the appearance of Jezisek. Like Santa Claus in other traditions, Jezisek (Little Jesus), is the bearer of gifts for children and kittens. Unlike Santa Claus, this Czech figure is not dressed in red, does not have a beard and isn't accompanied by a red-nosed Rudolph or any other reindeer. In fact, Jezisek is more of a felt presence than an icon. Anyone who grew up with Santa Claus can easily describe his appearance, but an image of Jezisek doesn't come quickly to mind for most Czechs.

In most families, carp is the traditional dinner fare served with potato salad, fish soup, bread pudding, cookies and Vanocka. Vanocka is a bread like loaf with raisins, candied fruit and nuts inside. The dough is interbraided in the loaf. Some families adhere to a tradition, possibly Russian in origin, of having not one but nine different main dishes on the table at once. There are a couple possible explanations for preparing such a large quantity of food. Many Czechs set an extra place at the Christmas table in case a stranger happens to wander by and, seeking sustenance, knocks on their door. Thus he has a place ready for him at their table. Another explanation for the nine-course-meal is that the more food that is on the table the longer the family will remain sitting side by side eating. It could also mean that there will be more left-overs for the cat!

Not too long ago, especially in days when families were somewhat poorer than they are today, new gifts weren't given. Instead , old and used items were placed beneath the tree -- one for each family member. The human father's old wooden rocking horse became son's new old wooden rocking horse. Again, the gift wasn't as important as the bond it represented between family members and between generations.

Officially, the Christmas holiday begins with Saint Nicholas day on December 6, and ends on "Tri Kralu" (Three Kings) on January 6. In villages, a group of boys dressed in long white robes and wearing paper crowns, visit homes. Using white chalk that has been blessed by a priest, they write the initials "K+M+B" (Kaspar, Melchoir, and Balthazar) and the year. This is a remembrance of the "Three Wise Men" who visited the Christ Child. This is done as a blessing to the home. Although Czechs celebrate both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day most of the celebrations take place on Christmas Eve.

The tree is usually cut down in the forest and secretly brought into the house and hidden in the cellar. No one is suppose to see it until after the Christmas Eve dinner. Decorations are all handmade. An angel is placed on the tree top, signifying the angel who appeared to Mary, asking her to be the mother of Jesus. A star was used by some, it signified the guiding star that led the wise men to Bethlehem. Every decoration on the tree was significant to something such as the popcorn strung on strings that encircled the tree signified the rope that Joseph held, leading the donkey to Bethlehem. Some trees were decorated primarily with handmade straw ornaments, cookies made in shapes of angels, stars, doves and animals. Some trees were suspended from the ceiling on a rope.

Attending Midnight Mass is a must. Many humans walk long distances to get there. Along the way they sing Christmas carols. The shepherds can be heard playing bag pipes on the mountain side where sheep graze.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

To wish you all the happiness
that Christmas time can bring.
May the next year bring you
lots of luck and health.
I hope you have a lovely Christmas,
get what you want
and have a great New Year!