christmas in poland

​My son-in-law, Marian, was born in Poland and is still very close to family there.  In fact, this summer our entire family including my brothers and their families, close friends and extended relatives will be traveling to Poland to attend a family reunion and meet Marian's extended family.  We are all very much looking forward to this and have been told to practice our vodka drinking “skills” prior to this trip!
 
A few years ago, Marian's mother and brother  as well some friends (including the family Priest!) as were here for Christmas.  We had a big meal together and afterward we sat among the Christmas lights and decorations in the living room and talked about Christmas customs in our countries.  
 
One Polish tradition that really touched me was setting an extra place at your table in case a stranger comes to your door.  The idea is that no one should spend Christmas Eve alone or not be able to enjoy a meal.  I think it's a good reminder of the season of giving, regardless of your circumstances.
 
-Cindy-

destination of the week
​christmas in poland

In Poland, Advent is the beginning of the Christmas season.  People avoid excess and some people give up their favorite foods or drinks.  Parties and discos are not widely held. Some people also go to Church quite frequently. There is a tradition of the 'roraty', special masses (or communion services) held at dawn and dedicated to Mary for receiving the good news from the angel Gabriel.
 
Poland is a largely Catholic country and Christmas Eve is a very important  day.  Traditionally it is a day of fasting and abstinence (not eating anything) and typically, meat is not eaten in any form.
 
Christmas Eve is known as Wigilia (pronounced vee-GHEE-lee-uh). Traditionally, the house is cleaned and everyone wears their best festive clothes. The main Christmas meal is eaten in the evening and is called "Kolacja wigilijna" (Christmas Eve supper). It's traditional that no food is eaten (or sometimes the first present opened) until the first star is seen in the sky! So children look at the night sky to spot the first star! Looking for the first star is also a reminder of the Wisemen who followed a star to visit Jesus.
 
On the table there are 12 dishes - they are meant to give you good luck for the next 12 months. The meal is traditionally meat free to remember the animals who took care of the baby Jesus in the manger. Everyone has to eat or at least try some of each dish.  The 12 dishes symbolize the twelve disciples.   Some people in central Poland say that at midnight the animals can talk on Christmas Eve.
 
The Christmas tree is also often bought in and decorated on Christmas Eve. It is decorated with a star on the top (to represent the Star of Bethlehem), gingerbreads, lights (previously candles) and "bombki" which are baubles and glass ornaments in different shapes (though most often they are spheres). They are usually hand-made, painted or decorated in other ways. In the east of Poland the decorations are traditionally made of straw and are very beautiful. In some parts of Poland trees will also have an artificial spider's web as a decoration because of the story of The Christmas Spider. In some houses there is also a custom of breaking one of the Christmas tree decorations (e.g. breaking a glass bauble) to scare the evil out of the house for the whole next year!
 
Christmas Eve is finished by going to Church for a Midnight Mass service.
 
https://www.whychristmas.com/cultures/poland

travel tip of the week
don't skip the christmas markets

Europe is famous for its Christmas markets, especially Germany. However, Polish Christmas markets are as fabulous, festive, and beautiful as elsewhere in Europe. Some cities have even won awards for best Christmas Markets in Europe, so make sure to plan your travels close to those dates.
Every city has a different date for setting up those markets, but they are open from the beginning of December as a general rule. 
Visiting Christmas markets in Poland also allows you to try local meals that Poles make during this time of the year, sip mulled wine (or beer), and even shop for local crafts. 

​virtual vacation of the week

​This video shows the famous Warsaw Christmas Market
Video by D&B Travels and found on YouTube

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