- Many Latvian Christmas traditions are intertwined with pagan winter solstice celebrations from earlier times, such as rolling a wooden block around homes to drive away evil spirits. - Children in Latvia believe Santa Claus, called Ziemassvētku vecītis, brings their presents, which are often placed under the Christmas tree and opened on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. - Traditional Latvian Christmas meals do not include meat according to Christian tradition, but include 9 meatless dishes according to pagan tradition, and popular dishes today include boiled grey peas with meat and fish, as well as roast pork with sauerkraut.