In countries of Central Europe (for this purpose, roughly defined as the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Austria, Hungary and possibly other places) the main celebration date for the general public is Christmas Eve (December 24th).

The day is usually a fasting day; in some places children are told they’ll see a golden pig if they hold fast until dinner. When the evening comes preparation of Christmas Dinner starts.

Traditions concerning dinner vary from region to region, for example in the Czech Republic the prevailing meal is fried carp with potato salad and fish soup.

However, in some places the tradition is porridge with mushrooms (a modest dish), and elsewhere the dinner is exceptionally rich, with up to 12 dishes.

What’s common is that people usually stay in close family circle. Staying alone during Christmas Eve is considered very sad, and many families “bring home” their grandparents at least for Christmas.

After the dinner comes the time for gifts. Tradition varies with region, commonly gifts are attributed to Christkind (Little Jesus) or their real originators (e.g. parents).

Children usually find their gifts under the Christmas Tree, with name stickers. An interesting example of complicated history of the region is the “fight” between Christmas beings.

During communism, when countries of Central Europe were under Soviet influence, communist authorities strongly pushed Russian traditional Ded Moroz (”Grandfather Frost”) in the place of Christkind. Little Jesus won. Now Santa Claus is attacking, by means of advertising and Hollywood film production.

Many people, Christians as well as people with just a Christian background, go to Roman Catholic churches for Midnight Mass. It’s not uncommon to go to a church only one time a year, for this Christmas Mass.

Other attributes of Christmas include Christmas trees, mistletoe, Christmas garlands, Bethlehem Cribs

Source: Wikipedia