In Venezuela, Christmas is celebrated as a religious holiday.The pre
sents are brought by “El Niño Jesus” (Baby Jesus) instead of “Papá Noél” (Santa Claus), that still has an important role during this season. The unofficial start of the Christmas festivities is after the celebrations of "Feria de la Chinita", second half of November.
Czech Republic and Slovakia
Christmas Eve (December 24) is the celebrated as 'vetnome colen hide', which means "open-handed day", when the gifts are given in the evening. However, December 25 and 26 are also holidays. According to tradition, gifts are brought by Ježíšek, or "baby Jesus". Many very old Christmas traditions are followed, mostly for fun. People are taught to fast (stop eating) on Christmas Eve until a ceremonial dinner is served, in order to be able to see a "golden pig". Carp is a popular dish for the dinner. The gifts are displayed under the Christmas tree (usually a spruce or pine), and people open them after their Christmas dinner.
Poland
In Poland, Christmas Eve is a day first of fasting, then of feasting. The feast begins with the appearance of the first star, and is followed by the exchange of gifts. The giftbearer in Poland is Swiety Mikolaj or Saint Nicholas. The following day is often spent visiting friends. Although gift giving plays a major role in the rituals, emphasis is placed more on making special foods and decorations.
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