EXPAT VOICES: Readers reveal their Czech Christmas dining traditions

The Czech Republic celebrates Christmas on Dec. 24, with a traditional dinner consisting of fish soup, fried carp, and potato salad. But this festive feast isn't appreciated by all, with a survey suggesting that bony carp had fallen in popularity in recent years.

Heading into the holidays, we asked our readers how their Christmas dining traditions have evolved and adapted since coming to the Czech Republic. They shared their experiences and revealed a fusion of their home country's dishes and Czech recipes that have found their way onto their Christmas tables.

Many readers told us that they tried to keep traditions from both their home country and the Czech Republic. This was easier to practice since the traditional Christmas dinner is served on Dec. 24 in the Czech Republic and Dec. 25 elsewhere.

"Since Christmas Dinner for the UK is served on the 25th, the traditional turkey and all the trimmings are exactly the same as I remember from childhood," Marc F. told us. "However the leftover turkey makes a great schnitzel to eat with potato salad on the 26th so we enjoy both British and Czech traditions when it comes to food."

He added that he tried to keep a few Christmas traditions from the UK after coming to the Czech Republic.

"I always pick up a box of crackers from Marks & Spencer and a Christmas pudding. We keep the tradition of opening presents on the 25th in the morning and hanging a stocking on the door handle to find in the morning too. However, we allow one present to be opened on the 24th before bedtime to remind us of the Czech tradition."

"In America, I have found that traditions are really more from family to family," says Kimberly W. "With my family, we would make various cookies including buck eyes, chocolate chip cookies, snicker doodles, and ricotta cookies."

"I try my best to make the same cookies during the holidays [in the Czech Republic]. My family also would have steak with mashed potatoes, green beans, and carrots. I still make the same meal for Christmas here in Prague."

"[Traditions have] definitely changed," writes Philip N. "I try to follow tradition and eat carp schnitzel and potato salad and fish soup as opposed to what I would have on Christmas day in Kenya, chicken stew and chapati (originated from India) with chicken soup on the side in a cup."

"I do like potato salad, I must admit, despite it being a cold side dish. Carp isn't the tastiest fish in the world, though, but I have chicken or pork schnitzel too. On the 23rd or 25th, my wife and I have chicken stew and chapati with chicken soup on the side in a cup to keep with the Kenyan traditional Christmas."

"My mother used to make the traditional fried carp and a potato salad - I always liked it!" commented another reader. "When I was coming back from overseas to Prague, I used to take our business partners for a goose fare. Also very popular during the Christmas season but becoming rare as it is expensive. At home, we have either capon or fish."

Whether it's the continued preparation of cherished dishes from their home countries or the incorporation of newfound favorites inspired by Czech recipes, it is evident that culinary traditions have evolved and adapted for many expats, creating a rich tapestry of flavors on the festive tables.

As we celebrate this season, let us raise a glass and savor the blend of global traditions that make Christmas in the Czech Republic truly special.