Slovakian Santa
The Slovakian Santa knows that even though the winds blow and the cold temperatures are dropping he must persist, children throughout Slovakia is dreaming of toys and gifts he carries. His staff supports him as he treks through the snow and quietly enters each home to deliver his presents. A Slovakian Christmas isn’t complete until the Nativity is set under the tree or on a table in each home, which the Slovakian Santa is delivering.
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The evening of December 24, Slovakian’s celebrate with a Christmas Eve dinner, called the "Vilija" table. From the straw scattered under the dining table to the honey that is spread onto thin "oplatky" to share among diners, the Slovak Christmas Eve meal abounds with religious symbolism. Some families set an extra plate, for an unexpected guest that might appear during the dinner.