🎄The Magic of Christmas: Finding Peace Amid the Chaos
Embrace the holiday season with traditions, stories, and moments of joy.
Hello, Expats! I’m Žaneta Stiborská, your Chat Club leader and teacher, and today I’m excited to take you on a festive journey! I’ll be sharing some of my family’s cherished Christmas traditions, along with insights from fellow expats about what makes Czech Christmases so special. Ready to explore? Let’s dive in!
Winter Magic and Christmas Cheer
Winter and Christmas are the most magical times of the year for me. I love when the city is draped in sparkling lights and the smell of mulled wine fills the air. It’s a season that feels like everything slows down, offering moments to cherish the little things: the sound of carols, the crackling of a fireplace, and the warmth of shared traditions. For me, Advent and Christmas are about spending time with loved ones and celebrating those traditions that bring us together.
Family Traditions that warm the heart.
🍪 Our Christmas season kicks off in early December with a cherished tradition: baking Christmas cookies (cukroví) with my boyfriend’s family. My favorite treat is včelí úlky (beehive cookies), though others might know them as “wasp nests” or “hives.” If you’d like to try a classic Czech Christmas cookie, here’s a recipe for linecké—a crowd favorite!
Even though my sister and I are adults now, we still come together every Christmas to carry on our family’s festive rituals. On December 23, the whole family gathers to prepare potato salad and carps for dinner. We’ve developed a precise system over the years, with each of us having a specific role.
Of course, things don’t always go as planned. One year, my sister accidentally grated too many carrots and left the extra boiled ones on the stove. Without knowing, I added the raw carrots to the salad, leaving us with an unusually crunchy dinner. 😅 These little mishaps have become some of our favorite memories.
The Tree, the Mishaps, and the Magic
🎄 Decorating the Christmas tree is another highlight, usually taking place on the evening of the 23rd. One year, disaster struck when Dad brought down only chewed-up wires instead of our artificial tree—mice had gotten to it! We barely managed to find a replacement just before the store closed, but it’s a story we laugh about every year.
Christmas Eve: A Day of Reflection and Celebration
Our Christmas Eve morning begins with a visit to the cemetery, followed by caroling with a choir in the town square. This year, we’ll be singing on December 24 at 10 a.m. in Horní náměstí in Opava—come and join us for this festive tradition!
Back home, we toast my mom’s name day with homemade eggnog and watch fairytales while nibbling on cookies (despite her constant reminders not to spoil our appetite). Dinner is the classic Czech combo of potato salad and fried carp, with carols playing softly in the background.
After dinner, my sister, dad, and I take a short walk so Ježíšek 🎅🏼 can work his magic. By the time we return, presents are waiting under the tree. As kids, we had to sing carols before opening gifts—thankfully, that tradition has since retired!
Christmas Through the Eyes of Expats
Christmas in the Czech Republic offers a unique blend of traditions and familiarity for expats. Here’s what some of our expat friends/students shared:
- Lithuanian Perspective:
“Christmas in the Czech Republic feels similar to back home in Lithuania. By December, the festive atmosphere is undeniable, with sparkling decorations and cheerful songs everywhere. I appreciate the balance between its commercial side and its focus on family values—it’s the perfect mix.”
- South African Perspective:
“For us South Africans, Christmas is a hot summer’s day filled with family gatherings, barbecues, and swimming. Here, I’ve grown to love the charm of winter traditions, like ice skating and cozy evenings. Though I miss thick snow and sunny skies, Czech Christmases bring a unique magic all their own.”
- Cultural Melting Pot:
“Last year, we celebrated Christmas with neighbors in our apartment—Czechs, Mexicans, Brits, and South Africans, with Christians, atheists, and Muslims at the table. It was a heartwarming mix of cultures, all coming together to share the joy of the season.”
- Ukrainian Perspective:
“Christmas here reminds me of home, but with fascinating differences. In Ukraine, instead of trees, we have Diduch—a symbolic sheaf of straw—and sing Kol’adky carols. Czech traditions like Ježíšek and cukroví cookies have added a lovely new layer to my holiday celebrations.”
Whether it’s the tranquility of Czech streets, the thrill of winter activities, or the warm embrace of family and friends, Christmas in the Czech Republic brings unique moments to treasure.
Celebrate the Season with Us!
What are your favorite Christmas traditions or memories? We’d love to hear how you celebrate! Share your stories with us in person at the festive edition of Chat Club on December 6th. Bring along a cherished tradition or a plate of Christmas cookies or any other goods you love, and let’s enjoy an evening of holiday cheer together!
Ostrava Expat Centre has a small gift for all of you!
Check out this PDF containing Christmas Advent Vocabulary. It’s a fun way to learn some Czech holiday terms and get into the festive spirit. Enjoy it, and happy holidays!
And don’t forget to set the mood with this playlist of classic Czech Christmas songs. You can try this playlist.
Here’s to a season filled with love, laughter, and meaningful connections. ✨
