Help with Polish christmas

[django]

Hello forums

I'm English, and my girlfriend is Polish. Christmas is coming up and for the last few years she's been unable to go back and spend it with her family in Poland due to work. So this year, to try and make it better for her, I'm going to try and recreate Polish christmas here in England. I'm just not sure how.

I know the main event is christmas eve rather than christmas day, and I know that the first star in the sky holds a lot of significance- but I'm afraid I don't know much else. I don't want to ask her too much about it in case it gives my plan away, and I'd like it to be a suprise.

So I was wondering if anyone here could help me by telling me about what you do on christmas eve in Poland? Like food, drinks, decorations, clothes, things to do, anything really. I just want her to feel as much at home as she can be without actually being there.

Thank you

[Bonobo]

Nov 17, 2016 1:40:48 GMT 1 django said:

Hello forums

I'm English, and my girlfriend is Polish. Christmas is coming up and for the last few years she's been unable to go back and spend it with her family in Poland due to work. So this year, to try and make it better for her, I'm going to try and recreate Polish christmas here in England. I'm just not sure how.

I know the main event is christmas eve rather than christmas day, and I know that the first star in the sky holds a lot of significance- but I'm afraid I don't know much else. I don't want to ask her too much about it in case it gives my plan away, and I'd like it to be a suprise.

So I was wondering if anyone here could help me by telling me about what you do on christmas eve in Poland? Like food, drinks, decorations, clothes, things to do, anything really. I just want her to feel as much at home as she can be without actually being there.

Thank you

You will find extensive info on this great site : culture.polishsite.us/SM.html#CHRISTMAS

You can have a look at real life photos polandsite.proboards.com/thread/112/christmas-customs

A few pieces of basic advice from me about Polish Christmas Eve.

-Dishes should include fish. Carp is the most traditional, but other species will also do. Preferably noble fish, not herring.

- Play Polish carols in the background - the most popular are here: Even a laptop computer will do, although an antiquated LP record player would be the most romantic.

- Buy a packet of wafers and share one with your girlfriend before the supper, wishing her the best things you want for her, e.g., a lot of children. Sorry, just joking.

- If you are planning to have a Christmas tree, put a small or big present (depending how much you love her for her under it. Finding and unpacking presents take place after the supper.

- If she is a true believer, you may accompany her to the Polish Church (if there is one nearby) for the midnight mass service.

-Clothes should be a little formal - better not wear your old jeans - but a dinner jacket is not so vital.

- Drinks? I don`t think you will go that far as to prepare Polish dried smoked pear drink, so don`t worry, any soft beverages will do.


Good luck.