...was as beautiful, bright and golden as this tree
The beauty of the Polish Christmas celebration can be seen not just only in the decorations on the streets,in shopping malls, or at homes. But most importantly in the Poles themselves with the warm and hospitable atmosphere they provide for everyone around them.
It all started at the Christmas eve party organized by the Erasmus Student Network Chapter at the University of Economics in Katowice. A clever plan was made in the sharing of gifts among every exchange student. There was a secret ballot before the event whereby we randomly pick a person's name whom we would buy a Christmas gift.As simple as it was it gave every student the chance for creative thinking and cheerful giving. Well the evening started out right with different entertainment by several nationals and the presentation of gifts by our "Erasmus Santa". The slightly low sound of Christmas carols played as a background music just complimented the beauty of our gathering.
The evening was completed with a buffet containing several tasty Polish Christmas dishes ;). Which I would definitely recommend you to try out. The evening turned out to be a great success and we all had a taste of the highly anticipated Polish Christmas tradition.
But as for me, my polish Christmas experience didn't just end yet! I was invited to share a traditional Christmas eve family dinner with Ania and her family. There I learnt about many more Polish Christmas traditions such as the candle light which is placed at the entrance of the house signifies that a stranger is welcome to have dinner with the household.
Also, everyone sitting at the table is obliged to try out a little of every food on the table. In addition the singing of carols is very essential and the shepherd mass in the Church is usually beautiful to witness. I had a golden moment with Ania's family and I felt much like I was at home although my polish language skills is still under construction :p, I fell in love with singing Christmas carols in polish :D.
Christmas in Poland, I would definitely try again and I mean again!!! :)
