Christmas in Poland was a busy time, and it's a huge moment of cultural significance for Poland. Polish celebrations vary greatly from Christmas traditions in the U.S., and it's almost easier to compare the holiday to Thanksgiving, as the focus is mainly placed on traditional dishes, family time, and church (depending on the family). There is a notable lack of materialistic value during this time of year, and, while gifts are still a part of the holiday celebration, the focus aims more towards traditional foods and visiting a ton of extended family. There are 12 traditional dishes served during dinner, which stays consistent throughout the majority of Poland. Fish is the star of the show! Meat is excluded in all of these foods, and most Polish families avoid consuming meat during December 24 altogether. There is an additional tradition where an extra plate is set at the table in case someone in need of shelter or food knocks on the door.


Instead of Christmas Eve on the 24th, and then opening gifts on the morning of the 25th like in many American families, a large dinner consisting of the 12 traditional non-meat (except fish) dishes takes place, followed by gifts. Family pajamas are also shared in Poland and my host grandparents gifted them to all of us!

Another important part of the unique Polish Christmas celebration is an activity where wishes of good health, happiness, and wealth are shared between loved ones. Everyone is given a thin wafer, which they then travel around the room, breaking off small pieces and exchanging them with one another, along with loving words of appreciation and blessings. This was also done at my school Christmas lunch celebration with my class! We walked around the room wishing each other happiness and health for the new year.

After my family ate and opened gifts at my host grandparents’ house, we drove to a cousin's house and ate again with more family!

Following our second dinner, we attended a midnight Mass at a local Catholic Church, then head back to the grandparent's house, where we stayed for the next couple of days.

The Polish Winter is dark and grey, but we finally got a short glimpse of the Sun setting at 3:00pm on Christmas Day which was a blessing!

Because all traditional celebrations are held on the 24th of December, the 25th was hardly recognized as Christmas Day and is reserved for playing with new games and gifts. However, the celebrations with family and close friends continue days after the 24th. The 26th and 27th were spent jumping from one family's house to another, being welcomed and served so much food. So much food.

We somehow ended up at a cousin of a cousin's farm, where they excitedly showed us the cows and asked if they were like American cows through Google Translate. I explained that I had no idea haha.

Christmas in Poland is a time when many of the nation's core values are revealed: family, tradition, friendship, and faith. It's fascinating to witness the same holiday celebrated in such different ways and I'm so grateful to have shared this time with such loving and thoughtful people.

-Margaret