{"id":913,"date":"2020-07-26T20:39:27","date_gmt":"2020-07-26T20:39:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/?p=913"},"modified":"2024-02-02T13:46:28","modified_gmt":"2024-02-02T13:46:28","slug":"christmas-in-poland-traditions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/christmas-in-poland-traditions","title":{"rendered":"Polish Christmas Traditions: How Do We Celebrate Christmas in Poland?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Polish Christmas is something everyone should experience, at least once. It is the most wonderful time of the year, and literally, everyone is celebrating. When you think about Christmas in Poland the second thought should always be &#8220;family&#8221;. Most people can imagine <a href=\"https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/polish-celebrations-bank-holidays-poland\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">holidays in Poland<\/a> without Santa and snow but <a href=\"https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/tips-for-solo-traveling-to-poland-alone\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">spending time all alone<\/a>&#8211; is impossible!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Loneliness is the worst thing that could happen to anyone during Polish Christmas, that&#8217;s why there will always be one free place at the table at every home, just in case someone will come, uninvited. Such a person will be greeted with a smile and tons of Polish Xmas food!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you spend Christmas in Poland, traditions play an important part, so let&#8217;s explore some of them!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I will include some videos in this post that I made before Christmas of 2022. It was a part of the Polish Online Advent Calendar when I was publishing one video on my <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@PolishFoodies\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">YouTube channel<\/a>, every day explaining Polish Christmas traditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-662c121c94c07\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-662c121c94c07\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/christmas-in-poland-traditions\/#Polish_Santa_Claus\" title=\"Polish Santa Claus\">Polish Santa Claus<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/christmas-in-poland-traditions\/#Mikolajki\" title=\"Mikolajki\">Mikolajki<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/christmas-in-poland-traditions\/#Christmas_Eve\" title=\"Christmas Eve\">Christmas Eve<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/christmas-in-poland-traditions\/#The_Most_Important_Polish_Christmas_Customs\" title=\"The Most Important Polish Christmas Customs\">The Most Important Polish Christmas Customs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/christmas-in-poland-traditions\/#Quick_Christmas_In_Poland_Facts\" title=\"Quick Christmas In Poland Facts\">Quick Christmas In Poland Facts<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/christmas-in-poland-traditions\/#How_To_Say_Merry_Christmas_in_Polish\" title=\"How To Say Merry Christmas in Polish?\">How To Say Merry Christmas in Polish?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/christmas-in-poland-traditions\/#What_Are_The_Most_Popular_Polish_Christmas_Carols\" title=\"What Are The Most Popular Polish Christmas Carols?\">What Are The Most Popular Polish Christmas Carols?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/christmas-in-poland-traditions\/#What_Are_The_Most_Popular_Christmas_Wishes_In_Polish\" title=\"What Are The Most Popular Christmas Wishes In Polish?\">What Are The Most Popular Christmas Wishes In Polish?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/christmas-in-poland-traditions\/#Where_To_Spend_Christmas_In_Poland\" title=\"Where To Spend Christmas In Poland?\">Where To Spend Christmas In Poland?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/christmas-in-poland-traditions\/#Christmas_Eve-2\" title=\"Christmas Eve\">Christmas Eve<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/christmas-in-poland-traditions\/#Polish_Christmas_Eve_Dinner_%E2%80%93_Wigilia\" title=\"Polish Christmas Eve Dinner &#8211; Wigilia\">Polish Christmas Eve Dinner &#8211; Wigilia<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/christmas-in-poland-traditions\/#Unwrapping_Gifts\" title=\"Unwrapping Gifts\">Unwrapping Gifts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/christmas-in-poland-traditions\/#Going_to_Pasterka_Midnight_Mass\" title=\"Going to Pasterka (Midnight Mass)\">Going to Pasterka (Midnight Mass)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/christmas-in-poland-traditions\/#Christmas_Day\" title=\"Christmas Day\">Christmas Day<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/christmas-in-poland-traditions\/#Szczepana_%E2%80%93_Boxing_Day\" title=\"Szczepana &#8211; Boxing Day\">Szczepana &#8211; Boxing Day<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Polish_Santa_Claus\"><\/span><strong>Polish Santa Claus<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mikolajki\"><\/span><strong>Mikolajki<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"What Is Miko\u0142ajki? All About Saint Nicholas Day in Poland!\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/-mrV3kFyy4s?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Thanksgiving is not celebrated in Poland, however, Saint Nicholas is coming really fast in here.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Mikolajki,&nbsp;<\/em>December 6th, is a day when Santa is giving presents to kids and adults all over the country. The custom is quite popular in schools- kids draw each other&#8217;s names a few weeks before <em>Mikolajki<\/em>. They should buy a gift for a person they drew. The teacher usually sets a price limit for the gifts (for example no more than 50 PLN \/ $18).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On December 6th, they are bringing the gifts to the school and leaving it in a classroom. It&#8217;s quite fun guessing who you got the gift from!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At home, Santa usually comes himself or simply leaves gifts at the door or under the pillow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I remember when I was a kid and together with my cousins we&#8217;ve been waiting for Santa to come. When he was knocking at the door, we started to squeal with joy. Then our parents opened the door and he was no longer there. But he left a huge bag with presents for all of us!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Celebrating Miko\u0142ajki (Santa Claus Day) In Poland\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/bhoO9xDvFOw?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Christmas_Eve\"><\/span><strong>Christmas Eve<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Polish Santa Claus is quite generous- he is coming again on Christmas Eve!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Well, to speak more accurately, kids are getting presents again that day. Depending on the family customs, <a href=\"https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/traditional-polish-christmas-gifts-ideas\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Christmas gifts<\/a> are brought by <em>Gwiazdor<\/em> (Starman Polish Santa), <em>Aniolek<\/em> (Angel), <em>Dzieciatko<\/em> (Baby Jesus), <em>\u015anie\u017cynka<\/em> (Snowflake), <em>Dziadek Mr\u00f3z<\/em> (Jack Frost), or Santa Claus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Polish Christmas Gifts Ideas\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/4W2pImK0VdA?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">You can read more about <a aria-label=\"undefined (opens in a new tab)\" class=\"yoast-seo-link\" href=\"https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/traditional-polish-christmas-gifts-ideas\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Polish Christmas gifts ideas here<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Most_Important_Polish_Christmas_Customs\"><\/span><strong>The Most Important Polish Christmas Customs<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you don&#8217;t have time for a long read, here are the most important Polish Christmas customs in a nutshell. I am talking more about each of these Polish Xmas traditions later on in this post:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Being nice on Christmas Eve<\/strong> (it&#8217;s believed that the way you spend this day is the prediction of your upcoming year)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Leaving one free place at the table<\/strong> (in case an unexpected wanderer will look for a place to spend Christmas)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Placing the hay under the Christmas table&nbsp;<\/strong>(that symbolizes baby Jesus&#8217; cradle and poverty)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Waiting for the first star<\/strong> to start a Christmas Eve supper (it symbolizes the Bethlehem star)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hiding a small coin inside the dumpling<\/strong> (it&#8217;s believed that the one who will find it will be wealthy)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Trying all 12 dishes of Polish Christmas supper <\/strong>(to make sure we won&#8217;t run out of food in the upcoming year; each dish symbolizes one month)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"What Are 12 Polish Christmas Dishes?\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/1pAPJaB0mU8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Trying to talk with <a href=\"https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/national-animal-of-poland\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">animals<\/a><\/strong> (it is believed they can speak during this one special night of the year)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sharing oplatek<\/strong> (Polish wafer for Christmas is a must; everyone is sharing it with wishes, hugs, and kisses)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"The Traditions Of Sharing Op\u0142atek Christmas Wafer In Poland\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/nMNsAxkiZOA?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Attending Pasterka<\/strong> (the midnight mass)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Caroling<\/strong> (singing carols at home; dressing up and visiting the neighbors signing carols)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/christmas-768x512-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-915\" srcset=\"https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/christmas-768x512-1.jpg 768w, https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/christmas-768x512-1-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Quick_Christmas_In_Poland_Facts\"><\/span><strong>Quick Christmas In Poland Facts<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_To_Say_Merry_Christmas_in_Polish\"><\/span>How To Say Merry Christmas in Polish?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Merry Christmas in Polish is \u201c<strong>Weso\u0142ych \u015awi\u0105t<\/strong>\u201c. In case you have trouble with pronunciation, check out <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/E5vFzdTLpUc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">my video <\/a>to hear it being said by me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"How To Say Merry Christmas In Polish?\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/E5vFzdTLpUc?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Are_The_Most_Popular_Polish_Christmas_Carols\"><\/span>What Are The Most Popular Polish Christmas Carols?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/ucQIKqjcudg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Cicha Noc<\/a> (Polish version of Silent Night)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=IomK7_2hWVc\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"undefined (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"yoast-seo-link\">B\u00f3g Si\u0119 Rodzi <\/a>(The God Is Being Born)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=x9lQsjT8y1M\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"undefined (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"yoast-seo-link\">Przybie\u017celi do Betlejem<\/a> (Shepherds Came Running To Bethlehem)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/mEb8Qum7vkg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Lulaj\u017ce Jezuniu<\/a> (Hush-a-bye Baby Jesus)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=nTcq5gsjZVw\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"undefined (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"yoast-seo-link\">P\u00f3jd\u017amy Wszyscy Do Stajenki <\/a>(Let Us All Go To The Little Barn)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/c_F7A6MQyMo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Gdy \u015aliczna Panna<\/a> (When The Pretty Virgin Was Soothing Her Son)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Are_The_Most_Popular_Christmas_Wishes_In_Polish\"><\/span>What Are The Most Popular Christmas Wishes In Polish?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Here is an example of Christmas wishes in Polish:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Weso\u0142ych \u015awi\u0105t Bo\u017cego Narodzenia!<br>\u017bycz\u0119 Ci wszystkiego co najlepsze, du\u017co zdrowia, szcz\u0119\u015bcia i u\u015bmiechu na ka\u017cdy dzie\u0144. Aby nadchodz\u0105cy rok przyni\u00f3s\u0142 jak najwi\u0119cej rado\u015bci.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Translation:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Merry Christmas!<br>I wish you all the best: health, happiness, and a smile for every day of your life. I hope the upcoming year will bring you only bright moments and joy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_To_Spend_Christmas_In_Poland\"><\/span>Where To Spend Christmas In Poland?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The best place is definitely <a aria-label=\"undefined (opens in a new tab)\" class=\"yoast-seo-link\" href=\"https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/things-to-do-zakopane-poland\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Zakopane<\/a>, the <a href=\"https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/winter-in-poland\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">winter<\/a> capital of Poland. You can find lovely mountain cottages in the Tatra Mountains to truly feel the Christmas spirit! Plus, the <a href=\"https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/snow-in-poland\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">chances for snow<\/a> are great.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Christmas_Eve-2\"><\/span><strong>Christmas Eve<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When you spend Christmas in Poland, traditions vary slightly, depending on the family, so Christmas Eve is different for every household. My family believes that the way you spend your Christmas Eve determines your whole year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So we are trying to be calm, relaxed, not fight with each other and of course&#8230; go shopping! If you spend money on Christmas Eve, you&#8217;ll do it all year (&#8211;&gt; you will be wealthy enough).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In Patryk&#8217;s home, Christmas Eve is a normal day until the evening. Christmas starts when it&#8217;s dark outside.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"How Do Poles Celebrate Christmas Eve [Wigilia] ?\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/hahQurkVk80?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Polish_Christmas_Eve_Dinner_%E2%80%93_Wigilia\"><\/span><strong>Polish Christmas Eve Dinner &#8211; Wigilia<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The most important thing during the whole day is Wieczerza Wigilijna (<a href=\"https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/guide-to-christmas-dinner-in-poland\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Polish Christmas Eve Dinner<\/a>). It begins when the first star appears in the sky.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s Polish Christmas custom to leave one free&nbsp;table setting for an unexpected guest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Spending traditional Christmas in Poland means that at the beginning you pray and share <em>oplatek<\/em> &#8211; the Polish Christmas wafer (little flat bread) with every member of the family.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"494\" src=\"https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/polish-uszka-768x494-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-916\" srcset=\"https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/polish-uszka-768x494-1.jpg 768w, https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/polish-uszka-768x494-1-300x193.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Usually, there are more than 15 people at Wieczerza Wigilijna (Polish Christmas Dinner) so it takes some time until everybody wishes every single one of family member Merry Christmas. All wishes are personal. It&#8217;s the time when we say sorry for our mistakes and say thank you for everything that was good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Christmas wafer is something unique to Poland, Lithuania, and Slovakia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Poles <strong>don&#8217;t eat meat<\/strong> and<strong> aren&#8217;t supposed to drink alcohol<\/strong> on Christmas Eve. It&#8217;s one of the Polish holiday traditions to fast all day and start eating in the evening.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"742\" height=\"420\" src=\"https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/christmas-table-742x420-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-917\" srcset=\"https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/christmas-table-742x420-1.jpg 742w, https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/christmas-table-742x420-1-300x170.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 742px) 100vw, 742px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Poles usually put some hay under the tablecloth to commemorate the birth of Christ in the stable. When you spend Christmas in Poland traditions are paramount, so it&#8217;s important to remember the origins of Christmas and not only think of presents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Religion plays a huge part in <a href=\"https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/polish-celebrations-bank-holidays-poland\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"undefined (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"yoast-seo-link\">Polish celebrations<\/a>, as about 80% of Poles are Catholics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Polish Christmas Eve Dinner Menu<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Have you ever tried Polish Christmas food? It&#8217;s so delicious. All of the dishes are handmade and completely satisfying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to Polish Christmas traditions, you should have 12 dishes during supper. It&#8217;s believed that it brings luck for each of the <a href=\"https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/months-in-polish\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">months<\/a> in the upcoming year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Carp<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"847\" src=\"https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/fried-fish.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-918\" srcset=\"https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/fried-fish.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/fried-fish-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/fried-fish-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/fried-fish-768x508.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>You can have it fried, flooded in aspic, or baked. It doesn&#8217;t really matter- carp is a traditional Polish Christmas food and you can find it at every home during Polish Christmas Eve dinner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Why carp no any other fish? The answer is simple- poverty. World War II destroyed Poland completely, including the fishing fleet. Carp was relatively easy to breed, that&#8217;s why it became so popular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When I was a kid, almost everyone was buying a living carp a few days before Christmas and keeping it in a bath. Then on Christmas Eve, the father was killing it with a knife. It&#8217;s quite brutal, that&#8217;s why nowadays, people usually buy killed carp to make sure he didn&#8217;t suffer too much. Plus, they are simply too lazy to do it by themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Polish Christmas Fish Dishes\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/vx1lKNDEuT0?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Pierogi<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/pierogi.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-919\" srcset=\"https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/pierogi.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/pierogi-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/pierogi-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/pierogi-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Traditional Polish Christmas eve dinner won&#8217;t be complete without the country&#8217;s most popular food- pierogi!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/what-is-poland-famous-for\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">famous<\/a> dumplings come with different fillings, the most common ones for Christmas are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/polishfoodies.com\/polish-pierogi-ruskie-recipe\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>pierogi ruskie<\/em> <\/a>(with mashed potato, fried onion, and cottage cheese)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/polishfoodies.com\/christmas-sauerkraut-and-mushroom-pierogi-recipe\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>pierogi z kapust\u0105 i grzybami<\/em> <\/a>(with sauerkraut and mushrooms)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>pierogi z suszon\u0105 \u015bliwk\u0105<\/em> (with dried plum)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>\u017burek Z Grzybami (Polish Christmas Mushroom Soup)<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/z\u0307urek.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-920\" srcset=\"https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/z\u0307urek.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/z\u0307urek-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/z\u0307urek-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/z\u0307urek-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This soup is a variation of <em><a href=\"https:\/\/polishfoodies.com\/polish-sour-rye-soup-zurek-recipe\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">zurek<\/a><\/em>, one of the <a href=\"https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/best-polish-dishes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">most popular Polish dishes<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Polish Christmas Mushroom Soup is made of dried mushrooms. It&#8217;s sour and creamy- to be completely honest it&#8217;s my all-time favorite dish and my mouth is literally watering while writing this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Depending on the home, <em>zurek z grzybami<\/em> may be replaced with <a href=\"https:\/\/polishfoodies.com\/polish-red-borscht-barszcz-czerwony-recipe\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">red borscht<\/a>. One way or another, it&#8217;s always served with <em><a href=\"https:\/\/polishfoodies.com\/polish-uszka-recipe\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">uszka<\/a><\/em> (tiny dumplings filled with dried mushrooms).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s quite popular to hide 1 grosz (small coin) inside one of the dumplings. The person who will find it will have money throughout the upcoming year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Kutia<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>This super sweet <a href=\"https:\/\/polishfoodies.com\/12-polish-christmas-dishes-with-recipes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">traditional Polish Christmas food<\/a> is made of wheat, honey, raisins, poppy seeds, and nuts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They are all mixed together. How does it taste? It&#8217;s extremely sweet, so it&#8217;s hard to eat more than a few spoons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/polishfoodies.com\/polish-wheat-berry-dessert-kutia-recipe\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kutia<\/a><\/em> is popular not only in Poland but also in neighboring countries such as Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus. That&#8217;s why <em>kutia<\/em> is usually served for Christmas in the eastern part of Poland, especially Bialystok, <a aria-label=\"undefined (opens in a new tab)\" class=\"yoast-seo-link\" href=\"https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/things-to-do-in-lublin\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Lublin<\/a>, and <a aria-label=\"undefined (opens in a new tab)\" class=\"yoast-seo-link\" href=\"https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/things-to-do-in-rzeszow\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Rzeszow<\/a> areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Kapusta Z Grochem (Cabbage with Beans)<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/1024px-Groch_z_kapusta\u0328.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-921\" srcset=\"https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/1024px-Groch_z_kapusta\u0328.jpg 750w, https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/1024px-Groch_z_kapusta\u0328-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Although <em>kapusta z grochem<\/em> may be eaten throughout the year, it&#8217;s the most popular during Christmas in Poland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The dish can be made of fresh or pickled cabbage (sauerkraut). It tastes amazing and to be honest, it&#8217;s different in every home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One thing that all <em><a href=\"https:\/\/polishfoodies.com\/polish-kapusta-z-grochem-recipe\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"undefined (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"yoast-seo-link\">kapusta z grochem<\/a><\/em> have in common is the strong, sour taste.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cabbage with beans is usually served with bread smeared with butter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Pickled Herring<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/herring-1600392_1280.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-923\" srcset=\"https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/herring-1600392_1280.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/herring-1600392_1280-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/herring-1600392_1280-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/herring-1600392_1280-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The second most popular fish that you can try during traditional Polish Christmas dinner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What&#8217;s the difference between the carp and the herring? The first one is usually served warm, whereas the second one is always cold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pickled herring may be accompanied by eggs, mayonnaise or sour cream. It&#8217;s almost always served with onions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Salatka Jarzynowa (Boiled Veggies Salad)<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"849\" height=\"637\" src=\"https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/sa\u0142atka-jarzynowa5.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-924\" srcset=\"https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/sa\u0142atka-jarzynowa5.jpg 849w, https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/sa\u0142atka-jarzynowa5-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/sa\u0142atka-jarzynowa5-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 849px) 100vw, 849px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s the most popular Slavic salad that is eaten not only for Christmas but all year long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/polishfoodies.com\/salatka-jarzynowa-polish-salad-recipe\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Salatka Jarzynowa<\/a> is made of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>potatoes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>pickles<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>peas<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>carrot<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>parsley root<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>celery root<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>eggs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes you can also find apples, onions, or leek there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Something With Poppy Seeds<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/makowiec.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-925\" srcset=\"https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/makowiec.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/makowiec-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/makowiec-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/makowiec-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>And finally- poppy seeds dishes. Depending on the region, it may be:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/polishfoodies.com\/polish-poppy-seed-noodles-recipe-kluski-z-makiem\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">kluski z makiem<\/a><\/strong> &#8211; sweet pasta with poppy seeds and dried fruit and nuts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/polishfoodies.com\/polish-poppy-seed-roll-makowiec-recipe\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">makowiec<\/a><\/strong> &#8211; traditional Polish poppy seeds cake with raisins<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Why something with poppy seeds is one of the must-try Polish Christmas dishes? Because it&#8217;s believed that it will provide you the fertility and prosperity for the upcoming year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Kompot Z Suszu (Dried Fruits Drink)<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"847\" src=\"https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/kompot-z-suszu.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-926\" srcset=\"https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/kompot-z-suszu.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/kompot-z-suszu-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/kompot-z-suszu-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/kompot-z-suszu-768x508.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Last but not least- <em>kompot z suszu<\/em>. It&#8217;s the only traditional Polish Christmas drink on this list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/polishfoodies.com\/kompot-z-suszu-recipe\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kompot z suszu<\/a><\/em> is super easy to make. You just need to put dried fruits (apples, pears, plums, apricots) in the big pot, add water, and sugar, boil&#8230; and that&#8217;s it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The drink is served cold. Depending on your preferences, you can add cinnamon, cloves, and raisins to it for a more spicy taste.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Unwrapping_Gifts\"><\/span><strong>Unwrapping Gifts<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>After Polish Xmas Eve Dinner, it&#8217;s time for unpacking gifts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When it comes to Christmas traditions Poland is quite similar to other countries, so most people around the world that celebrate Christmas are probably familiar with this tradition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Going_to_Pasterka_Midnight_Mass\"><\/span><strong>Going to Pasterka (Midnight Mass)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"686\" src=\"https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/christmas.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-930\" srcset=\"https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/christmas.jpg 960w, https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/christmas-300x214.jpg 300w, https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/christmas-768x549.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Let&#8217;s fast forward to the last hour of Poland Christmas Eve. It&#8217;s the time when most Poles go to the midnight mass (Pasterka) that lasts about 90 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After the mass, young people play pranks on their neighbors by taking off gates from their hinges. Being in Poland at Christmas isn&#8217;t just serious, it also involves a lot of fun and games!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Christmas_Day\"><\/span><strong>Christmas Day<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>On Christmas Day, Poles are simply spending their time with families.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They are eating, caroling, watching TV, and enjoying the new gifts on this most wonderful day!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Szczepana_%E2%80%93_Boxing_Day\"><\/span><strong>Szczepana &#8211; Boxing Day<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The same thing goes for Boxing Day, which is the second day of Polish Christmas. Nobody works and everybody spends time with their families.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the evening, young people usually hang out and party!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In case you don&#8217;t love the cold, go <a href=\"https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/polish-celebrations-bank-holidays-poland\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here to find out about <\/a>other holidays in Poland that are celebrated all throughout the year. Whatever the case, Merry Christmas Poland!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"How Christmas In Poland Is Celebrated Day By Day?\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/TSSKl9mvlp4?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Have a question? Join our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/groups\/857263561358455\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"undefined (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"yoast-seo-link\">Poland Travel Support Facebook group<\/a>, we will be happy to help you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Pin For Later:<\/h4>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-medium\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/837458493200349784\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"no-follow noopener noreferrer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/CHRISTMAS-IN-POLAND-2-200x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-928\" srcset=\"https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/CHRISTMAS-IN-POLAND-2-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/CHRISTMAS-IN-POLAND-2-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/travelpolandtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/CHRISTMAS-IN-POLAND-2.jpg 735w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><em>Do you have any questions about the Christmas in Poland? Feel free to ask me or simply comment below!<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Polish Christmas is something everyone should experience, at least once. It is the most wonderful time of the year, and literally, everyone is celebrating. When you think about Christmas in Poland the second thought should always be &#8220;family&#8221;. Most people can imagine holidays in Poland without Santa and snow but spending time all alone&#8211; is [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4873,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[20],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v22.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Polish Christmas Traditions: How Do We Celebrate Christmas in Poland?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Looking for the information about Christmas in Poland? 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