Dec 24, 2006

24 December Celebrations

Since I discovered that many Europeans celebrate Christmas on the evening of December 24, I've felt that my whole childhood was unjust: I had to wait much longer than my European counterparts to get my presents from Santa.

In fact, in countries like Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Poland, Santa's not actually the guy who brings the presents - instead they come from little Jesus or sometimes simply from the parents. Big family meals are held on the evening of the December 24, often after fasting throughout the day. In Poland, a twelve-course meal is prepared and in the Czech and Slovak Republics a meal of carp is popular. Yet over in Bulgaria, Christmas is celebrated on December 25, so not all Eastern European kids get there presents earlier than me!

Wherever and however you're celebrating the Christmas season, all the best wishes from Eastern Europe and Russia Travel. I hope a nice ticket for the Trans-Siberian turns up in your Christmas stocking!