Poland

In Poland, the biggest Christmas celebration is held on Christmas Eve. People are normally very hungry on that day as it is traditional that no food is eaten on Christmas Eve until the first star is seen in the sky!

After the first star has been seen, the main Christmas meal can start. At the beginning of the meal, a large wafer biscuit called an ‘Oplatek’, which has a picture of Mary, Joseph and Jesus, is passed round the table and everyone breaks a piece off and eats it. Sometimes a small piece may be given to any farm animals or pets that the family may have. A place is often left empty at the meal table, for the Christ Child, as in the Czech Republic.

Sometimes the room in which the meal is eaten, is decorated with straw to remind us that Jesus was born in a stable or cow shed.

The meal consists of fish, mushrooms, puddings and cake. After the meal, the candles on the Christmas Tree are lit. Children also dress up as characters from the Christmas story and go carol singing. Then all the family goes to the midnight Church Service which is very important in Poland.

Polish Children also often get dressed up and go carol singing on Epiphany (January 6th). (see Spain for more information)