Poland is a largely catholic country and Christmas Eve is a very important and busy day. Traditionally it's a day of fasting and abstinence (not eating anything) and meat is not normally allowed to be eaten in any form. A special Christmas Eve meal are eaten after the first star has been seen in the sky. The supper begins with the breaking of the wafer. Everyone breaks off a piece and consists wishes. It is a symbol of their unity with Christ.

The meal consists 12 dishes : * red borscht with dumplings * dumplings with cabbage and mushrooms * herring in cream * fried carp * carp in aspic * noodles with poppy seeds * opium * cheesecake * fish in Greek * gingerbread * kutia * compote of dried

Beautifully lit Christmas trees are placed in all public areas, outside churches and in homes. Traditionally the Christmas trees in homes are decorated with baubles, Christmas chains, lights, chocolate shapes and many homemade decorations. On the top of the tree is a star. Under the tree are gifts. Gifts are given out after supper.