Although it is acceptable to decline a specific item such as alcohol, it is impolite to refuse refreshments altogether. Rural Slovaks might serve friends or relatives slanina (home-smoked bacon) and bread, as well as a drink such as homemade slivovica (plum brandy), or beer, coffee, or tea. Urban hosts tend to serve chips, nuts, and wine rather than something homemade. On special occasions, a tray of ham, cheese, eggs, vegetables, and sweets may be served. An empty cup or glass will be refilled, so guests leave a little bit of drink when they have had enough. Since the working day starts early, most visits conclude before 11 PM.

RECREATION
Soccer, ice hockey, skiing, and tennis are the most popular sports in Slovakia. Other forms of recreation include walking, camping, swimming, and attending local festivals, cinemas, cultural events, and art exhibitions.

Slovaks take special pride in their folk music and sing with enthusiasm at gatherings; the saying Kde Slovák, tam spev means “Wherever there is a Slovak, there is a song”. Folk art is also appreciated and is often given to foreign visitors as a gift. It is available mostly in specialist shops, because few people carry on the old traditions of embroidery and woodcarving.

Many Slovaks spend weekends or vacations in the Tatry Mountains, at health spas, or in the countryside. Increasing numbers are now travelling to other countries in Europe.

HOLIDAYS AND CELEBRATIONS
Holidays include Saint Sylvester's Day (New Year's Eve; 31 December), New Year's Day (also Independence Day; 1 January), Easter, and Saint Cyril and Saint Methodius Day (5 July), which honours the two saints who introduced Christianity to the region and developed the Cyrillic alphabet used for many Slavic languages. Slovak National Uprising Day (29 August) commemorates the 1944 rebellion against the Nazis. Constitution Day is 1 September. Christmas is the most celebrated holiday. Children receive gifts of confectionery, fruit, and nuts on the Feast of Saint Nicholas (6 December). A typical Christmas Eve supper includes mushroom soup, fish, peas, prunes, and pastries. Following the meal, the tree is decorated and gifts are exchanged. Christmas Day (25 December) is celebrated with family gatherings and a festive meal. Church attendance on Christmas Day is also traditional.

Birthdays are celebrated as family events, whereas name days (the feast day of the saint after whom one is named) are occasions for parties among friends or colleagues, and are usually more important than birthdays.