1. CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS IN POLAND

2. A typical Polish family is very traditional
A typical Polish family is very traditional. Everybody in Poland usually eats almost the same food and has the same habits at Christmas time. So, here are some traditions which we follow and respect:

3. On December 6th we celebrate st. Nicholas Day
Children find small presents from Santa under their pillows. Before going to bed, they often leave cookies and some milk for him.

4. Christmas:
December 24th – Christmas Eve (Wigilia), when we have Christmas Eve Dinner
December 25th – 1st Day of Christmas, a time for family
December 26th – 2nd Day of Christmas, a time for family and friends

5. Christmas tree
A few days before Christmas, we buy or cut a conifer like spruce, fir or pine. More and more often people buy Christmas artificial trees because they are less expensive and more durable than real trees. Next, we decorate the tree with Christmas baubles, chains, colorful fairy lights and sometimes something sweet, like candy for children.

6. Presents
Gifts are either put under the Christmas tree or a family member dresses up as Santa Claus gives out the persents. Sometimes, if children want to get their presents they have to sing a song or carol, or say a poem.

7. Wafer
Before dinner on Christmas Eve people share wafer with one another. We give each other our best wishes, of money, happiness and health.

8. Christmas Midnight Mass
At midnight people often go to church. We take part in a holy mass. It’s Christmas Midnight Mass. The Church is very crowded and there are a lot of people.

9. free place
When we set the table for Christmas Eve dinner, we set out an extra plate and seat for an unexpected guest. If somebody knocks on the door we should invite them in and offer them food. On this special night, no-one should be alone or hungry.

10. Hay
To symbolise the place of Jesus’ birth, we put a little bit of hay under the tablecloth before Christmas Eve dinner.

11. carols
It is traditional to sing carols at Christmas, during Christmas preparations and after Christmas Eve dinner. There is also a tradition of children dressing up and going from house to house, singing carols. Carollers receive some money for their performance.

12. Twelve dishes
Twelve dishes are served at Christmas Eve, to symbolise the twelve Apostles. We don’t eat meat on Christmas Eve.

13. Beetroot soup with special ravioli

14. Dumplings with mushrooms and sauerkraut or with cottage cheese and potatoes (russian)

15. Herring

16. croquette

17. Mushroom soup

18. carp

19. hotchpotch

20. Sauerkraut stew (bigos)

21. Poppy-seed cake

22. Cheesecake

23. Dried fruit compote

24. gingerbread

25. Merry christmas!!!