© Slovak Post, 2005 Christmas is one of the most significant annual family and religious holidays. In the current civil calendar, three days from 24th through 26th of December are reserved for Christmas. According to the religious calendar, the Christmas cycle lasts from 24th of December until 6th of January, i.e. until Epiphany. It is a festive period to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. Originally Christmas was a feast celebrating the winter solstice. The ceremonies, rituals and restrictions related to this period focused on human well-being, prosperity of family, livestock and crops. Carol singing, well wishing and giving presents were...