Wigilia Bożego Narodzenia i Sylwester w Polsce - Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve in Poland

In Poland Christmas Eve is a special day. In the morning we decorate our Christmas tree. When the evening comes and children notice the first star we gather in the family circle. We share wafer. Then we have traditional supper. Usually it consists of twelve dishes which symbolise twelve months of the coming year. One is supposed to taste each dish hoping that this will bring them good luck for a whole year. Special food is prepared for the occasion. Fish and other lent food is on the menu that day. After supper we sing carols and children open their presents that were put under the Christmas tree by Santa Claus.

Another day that is traditionally celebrated in New Year's Eve or 'Sylwester' as we call it. Unlike Christmas Eve, we spend it with our friends. It is not a public holiday, so in the morning everyone goes to work. The celebration starts in the evening. People meet at parties in clubs or discos. They chat, listen to music and dance. At midnight crowds gather in the main square or street to celebrate the coming of the new year. All the bells ring, everyone cheers, sings and toasts the new year with champagne.

[Joanna Nadolska]