With so Many Christmas Traditions in the US I Thought I'd Share My Own Christmas Tradition

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The way I celebrate Christmas probably varies from many American traditions. I would like to share how I and my loved ones celebrate Christmas according to Polish tradition.

In the beginning, midday on Christmas Eve or perhaps the night before Christmas Eve, we all put the presents underneath the tree intending that nobody sees us in order to add a certain amount of drama when everybody finally views the Christmas Tree in all its beauty. Gifts in beautifully wrapped paper just protrude out and spill onto the floor around the tree.

On Christmas Eve day, the entire family helps to make preparations for the evening hours; the table is decorated with our best table cloths and the best table setting we have is meticulously placed on set. Although there may be usually only about three of us we make sure to always have an extra place setting. The extra setting comes from an old Polish tradition for either an unexpected guest, for an unknown weary traveler, for the poor who have no family or home and for loved ones who are no longer with us. A tiny gesture yet it is so extremely meaningful.

My mother spends the early portion of the day putting finishing touches on all the foods for the evening. Many varieties of fish and cold foods are served, and no meat is served, as no mammal should die on Christmas Eve. Polish tradition extends to mammals as only they had been present when Christ came into this world.

Once evening falls and the very first stars are can be seen, dinner is served. (If it's a cloudy evening, then we approximate when evening meal should be served.) We do not sit back and commence eating just yet; a certain tradition must first be observed the sharing of the Christmas wafer. The wafer is very similar to the type that is utilized for communion.

Everyone breaks off a piece of the wafer and shares their own piece with each and every member of the family as well as friends who may be present.

Finally we take our seat at the dinner family table; a toast is made, and the Barszcz (Americans call it Borsch) is served as the first course.

Soon after dining, everyone retires into the living room for dessert, coffee and tea. Presents are exchanged, as with most Americans, someone plays the role of Santa. Often, some sort of Polish liqueur is also served and another toast or three are often made.

As midnight approaches we get ready for midnight Mass which always leaves me feeling that there is something very special going on.

Christmas Day is meant for seeing with close friends and others who live nearby. The day starts and we dress for Christmas breakfast, and at this time, meat is served in the form of various cold cuts.

Friends may join us for lamb or turkey, with the first course, once again, being Barszcz.

I hope you enjoyed reading about my traditions for Christmas.

May the upcoming holidays find you happy, healthy while surrounded by friends and family.

Merry Christmas to all.