Promenading in Prague

As the frenzy heightens in less than a hundred days before Christmas, one of the many things we look forward to is our Christmas vacation. In most cultures around the globe, such is the best time to spend the holidays with the family. A place as romantic and festive as the yuletide season, Prague is a perfect choice for those whose idea of a vacation is a quiet saunter in a boulevard, a moment of solitude in a peaceful sanctuary or experience the excitement of haggling over Christmas must-haves.

The city of Prague is the capital of Czech Republic that used to comprise the heartland of the fabled Bohemia right in the center of Europe. A home to more than 1.2 million people, Prague is blessed with a mild continental weather during Christmas-- ideal for promenading while the twinkling Christmas lights illumine the path, gorgeously covered by thin layers of snow.

Take time to marvel at the small houses along Golden Lane, named after the alchemists, who seek to discover the elixir that turns metal into gold, that later settled in the area. These tiny houses along Zlata Ulicka were built by castle marksmen who guarded the castle fortification of Emperor Rudolf II. Cramped in a small area, the 24 marksmen had to build small houses for their families. The marksmen who built these houses with stone, wood and mud perhaps never realized that they had built the perfect setting for a fairy tale story, where dwarfs reside and cast their spells.

The family will surely enjoy the Christmas markets at the Old Town Square, the heart of Prague, where one can find the perfect gifts for their family and friends. Stores are replete with souvenir items like hand-woven Czech products and children's toys. Food is everywhere and those wine lovers can try the svarak or hot wine while shopping with the Romanesque, Baroque and Gothic churches as a magnificent backdrop.

And what is Christmas without the Christmas tree? A spectacular sight at the Old Town Square is the Czech people's version of the mystical tree, shipped from the mountains of Southern Czech Republic, adorned with glittering lights. With angelic voices from local and international chorus groups, the scene is simply impressive.

For the children, they better behave, because Mikulas, the patron saint of Christmas will come and ask if they have been naughty or nice. According to the native Czech legend, Mikulas has toys, sweets and goodies for those who have been nice. For those naughty? Take a pick: onions, charcoals, raw potatoes. So kids should better impress Mikulas with a song or a poem.

During the day, those who need a respite from the hustle-and-bustle of the city can visit the Cathedral of St. Vitus, the country's patron saint. It is the biggest and most important church in the Czech Republic. The cathedral is a magnificent example of Gothic architecture; the facade is intricately designed particular rose window in the center and the zigzag ceiling inside the cathedral. Cleanse your soul with a prayer and don't forget to say "Thank you" because Jesus was born on Christmas Day.