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Polish Christmas celebrations start earlier than they do in Britain with the feast of St. Nicholas on December 6th. On this day, Sw. Mikolaj (St Nicholas) would visit the homes of people in the village, dressed in his bishop鈥檚 robes.

When Sw. Mikolaj visited the children, he gave them a gift for being good and to remind them of the gifts given to the Christ Child by the Three Kings. Celebrating the feast day of Sw. Mikolaj remains popular with Polish people living all over the world.

Many of the Christmas customs celebrated nowadays are a result of the early visits made by St. Nicholas. For example, the candy cane given during the Christmas holidays is a simple treat symbolizing the shepherd鈥檚 staff, which is carried by a bishop.

Sw. Mikolaj is called the 鈥淔ather of Christmas鈥�, known to children in America as 鈥淪anta Claus鈥�.

Oplatek

The Polish family breaks the Oplatek (Wafer) (Oh-pwah-tek) on Wigilia (Christmas Eve) as their ancestors before them have done. The sacred white wafers, like those used for Holy Communion, are shared with each person present.

Polish paper cutting

During the exchange, good wishes are expressed. This is the most emotional time of the holiday for the Polish family.听 Those who are no longer alive are particularly remembered at this moment.听

A pink wafer is shared with the animals who, according to Polish tradition, because they were first to greet the Baby Jesus, speak at midnight. This is the most sacred night in the Polish home.

Szopka

The Szopka (shop-kah)听 is the Krakowian Creche.听 These elaborate creations of tin paper are entered into competition each year on the square of Mariacki (St. Mary's Cathedral) in Krakow.听

The largest collection of past exhibits can be found in the Ethnographic Museum of Krakow in the Kazimierz district.

Wigilia

The Wigilia Meal is traditionally a meatless meal as it completes the fast which awaits the birth of God. The waiting or vigil (Wigilia) culminates in the sharing of the Oplatek and the Wigilia Meal.

Star Boy

On Christmas Day the village streets are traversed by boys and girls singing carols, and carrying " Szopkas "鈥� miniature stages telling the Nativity story.

Other boys, dressed in costumes depicting King Herod, Death, a Devil, an Angel, a Bishop, and strange beasts, are led by a Star Boy.

The " Festival of the Star " is brought to a close on January 6th, Three Kings Day, or in some regions of Poland on Candlemass Day, February 2nd.