Hear ye, Hear ye! It is finally Christmas Eve! Today, around the globe, millions of people are in their kitchens preparing for family feasts, cleaning their homes from top to bottom, or purchasing last-minute gifts. While we wait to gather with our loved ones (responsibly social distancing of course), Just Focus takes you to our latest stop in our series: Slovakia!

Slovak Christmas Myths:

Due to Slovakia’s Catholic roots, the Advent period leading up to Christmas is very important to the people. It is a time of preparation. During this time, multiple magical beings bring gifts to Slovakian children during the Vianoce (Christmas) period.

Firstly, the Slovaks celebrate St Nicholas Day on the 6th of December. St Nicholas, or Svätý Mikuláš, is considered by the cultures who celebrate him as a giving saint. On the evening of the 5th, children will polish their boots or shoes and place them by the window. Legend says that during the evening, Svätý Mikuláš will go from house to house accompanied by an angel and a devil to give children candied treats if they were good all year. However, if children misbehaved, they will receive coal and onions in their shoes.

Another benevolent and generous magical being who brings gifts to children is Ježíško (baby Jesus). Much like in Venezuela, Slovakia receives gifts from Ježíško on Stedrý Večer (Generous Evening - Christmas Eve). Excited children have to leave the room as parents sneak presents under the Christmas tree. Once done, a bell is rung to signal the children to return. They rush in to try and see baby Jesus, but of course, just miss him! Some families perform this ritual before the Christmas Eve dinner, while others do it after.

Slovak Traditions:

As mentioned earlier, the Advent period in December is an important time for Slovaks to prepare for Christmas. Different regions of Slovakia have their own variations on Christmas Eve traditions. Some will clean their entire house, including windows.

One popular tradition includes purchasing a carp two weeks before Christmas and caring for it in a tub until Stedrý Deň (Generous Day - December 24th). In Christian culture, fish have symbolic meaning. During times of persecution, Christians used the fish symbol to recognize one another and represent their faith. Furthermore, Jesus fed his followers with bread and fish, so it is considered a fasting food. During Advent, Slovak families may observe fasting, with some fasting all day and then going to Midnight Mass on Stedrý Večer.

Angelika (27) fondly recalls the tradition, "When I was a kid, it was a special moment with my dad. We would go to the store, get a carp, and raise it in the tub. Though the problem in Slovakia is that there are no rules regarding the slaughter of fish."

After the fish is slaughtered, some families collect the scales, dry them, and place them under chairs or keep them in wallets throughout the year to attract wealth.

Like in Norway, old movies are played during the holidays, including Three Gifts for Cinderella or the Soviet Union film Mrazík (Jack Frost).

Slovak Food:

Food plays an important role in Slovak culture, especially during the Christmas season. Slovaks are known for their sweet tooth, and during Vianoce, homes are filled with Christmas cookies. Gingerbreads, honey cakes, egg cakes, and Opitý Vizidor are just a few examples. If you love cookies, this tradition is perfect for you! Slovak families can make up to 10 different kinds of cookies during the Christmas season, ensuring that guests are well received if they stop by for a visit.

On Stedrý Deň, families gather to prepare the food for the evening feast, known as Velija. The meal always starts with a special wafer called Oplatky. The carp, prepared earlier in the day, is served along with a soup called Kapustnica, a thick creamy soup made of meats, sausages, and mushrooms, though each family may have its own version. Other dishes include potato salads, fish soup with roe, cabbage soup, and layered pancakes with honey and garlic. Typical desserts include bobáľky, a poppyseed dumpling, along with a variety of cookies!

If you have a sweet tooth, Slovakia is the place to go! Enjoy munching on their special Christmas biscuits and drinking their delicious honey wine. Get yourself a carp, cook up a feast, and watch old movies!

Veselé Vianoce!