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Christmas is a joyous event that is celebrated all over the world.
People in England usually go for simple meals. But when it comes to Christmas, fancy dishes are prepared including pork, roast turkey, mince meat pies and Christmas puddings. Chileans have a special cold drink for the occasion, a blend of coffee, milk, egg, wine and fermented grapes. As for Holland, the ritual is in exchanging gifts, and some even hide them in puddings and sausages as surprises.
This year, we will take a look at how Polish celebrate Christmas, which is quite similar to how we celebrate Chinese New Year. That is, those who are working or living away from home will all go home for a reunion during Christmas. They will cook something special, distribute lucky money, wear new clothes and hats, and visit friends.
The Polish Christmas meal is most elaborate with 10 to 15 dishes. The main dish is carp rather than chicken or duck. The dinner does not start immediately after the cooking is done. They look outside the window and wait for the stars to appear before they start eating. If it rains or snows, then they may have to wait until pretty late to start dinner.
It will not be Christmas without a Christmas tree. It is said that the custom first appeared in the 16th century when the Germans started to put pine trees in their homes. Candles were put on the trees to symbolize guiding people to Bethlehem. Another beautiful legend gave an account of a farmer who met a poor child on Christmas day. The lonely child did not have any toy nor food. The farmer then invited him home for a warm and happy Christmas. When the child left, he put a pine twig into the earth, which turned into a tree filled with gifts, and that was his token of appreciation for the farmer.
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