In Poland special attention is paid to Christmas. People start to think about it in early November and prepare very carefully.
The two nicest moments are buying a Christmas tree and presents. As Christmas is so special, the gifts we give are special, too. We choose them very carefully, because we want to make our relatives and friends happy. We also send Christmas cards to our family and friends.
Even though artificial Christmas trees become more popular every year, many people buy natural ones. The whole family comes together and chooses the tree. They want to have the most beautiful one, as they say they cannot imagine Christmas without the scent of a fresh tree.
A typical Polish Christmas tree is colourful and trimmed with hand made decorations. A few days before Christmas, Polish housewives start to prepare dishes for the Christmas Eve supper. According to the tradition, there should be twelve dishes on the table. The number of dishes is equal to the number of the Apostles. Among the dishes there are herrings, carp, trout, borsch or mushroom soup, pies and cakes.
Traditionally one place at the table should be set for an unexpected guest. If somebody comes, we have to invite him to the table and share our dinner with him. A little bit of hay is put under the tablecloth. This is the symbol of the fact that Jesus was born in a little stable.
When the table is set and the Christmas tree decorated, we wait for the first star to shine. Then we sit down to have supper. But before we start to eat we share a wafer with our family and wish each other all the best.
After the supper we unpack the gifts which were placed under the Christmas tree. Then we sing Christmas carols. Many people go to church for the midnight mass.
In Poland we spend Christmas day, December 25, with our families and on Boxing Day we visit our relatives or friends. But only if we are invited.
Polish Christmas is most beautiful. It is about peace and forgiveness. This special atmosphere makes us wait for Christmas with some impatience. For most people it is their favourite festival.
Merry Christmas!
Daria
