About Christmas in Poland

Hello I would like something about Christmas in Poland.In Poland there is special
tradition about Christmas.It is connected with our religion-Catholicism.
Each year24 th of December evening most polish families celebrate Christmas Eve.The whole family gathers around the table.All people wish each other everything the best and they share the Holy wafer.All people wish each other everything the best and they share the Holy Wafer.Then we eat 12 dishes.It is connection with tradition.
There should be also one empty place for an unexpected guest.We sing also
Christmas carols together.In the night at 12pm many people go to church for special mass
called "Pasterka".
Those who don't take part in Pasterka go to church next day.
During Christmas polish churches are decorated in special way.You can see there crib with
new born Jesus and his parents:Joseph and Mary ,animals:
sheeps,cows,donkey...


In some churches there are also three kings from the east.
Beautiful tradition is also decorating christmas tree with candles,lamps,toys,glass bals and
sweets.
26 th of december is the second day of Christmas.It commemorates saint Stephen death.
In the Holy Biblie we can read that. Stephen used to tell people about Jesus in the temple.
People who didn't approve of this threw him from the city and stoned him to death.
Stephan became sant in catholic church because he loved Jesus very much and he told
people about him even if he was persecuted.
In Poland 25th and 26th are off.People stay at home or they visit their friends and families.