Christmas in the CZ

One of the more peculiar things about the Czech Republic is its often contradictory way of doing  things. Take Christmas, for example. Ask anyone here and they will tell you that this is a predominantly atheist country. Yet, Christmas is still held as a sacred time.

Old Town is lit brightly with a larger than life Christmas tree. It is packed daily with shoppers perusing the Christmas markets looking for a perfect gift to give their loved ones. Nativity Scenes decorate store fronts and smaller squares throughout the city.

Families gather on the twenty-fourth of December and decorate their Christmas tree and enjoy fried carp for dinner, accompanied with a type of carp soup. Potato salad is also served, and is considered a special treat.

Instead of Santa Claus, on the night of the 24th, the Baby Jesus pays each family a visit and leaves presents. There is even a church here that has a Baby Jesus doll that has its outfits regularly changed. Whose job is that?

The Christmas tree and The Cathedral in Old Town. 

As you can see, Prague was truly beautiful at Christmastime. Soon I will have more pictures up on Facebook!