In the Czech Republic, Christmas is celebrated mainly on December 24, or Christmas Eve - Štědrý den (pron. “Shtiedree den”, means “open-handed day”) when the gifts are given in the evening. However, the December 25 and 26 are also free days.

According to tradition, gifts are brought by Ježíšek (pron. “Yezheeshek”), or “little Jesus”. Many very old Christmas traditions are followed, mostly for fun. People are taught not to eat anything on Christmas Eve until a ceremonial dinner is served, in order to be able to see a “golden pig”.

The gifts are displayed under the Christmas tree (usually a spruce or pine), and people open them after their Christmas dinner.

Other Czech Christmas traditions involve predictions for the future. Apples are always cut crosswise; if a star appears in the core, the next year will be successful, while a cross suggests a bad year.

Girls throw shoes over the their shoulders; if the toe points to the door, the girl will get married soon. Another tradition requires pouring a little molten lead into water and guessing a message from the shapes that appear when it hardens.

The above description is valid exactly also in Slovakia.

Source: Wikipedia