Christmas traditions in Poland are full of magic and meaning. The customs, which have been passed down through the centuries, are deeply rooted in religion, family, nature, and a love of the land. Christmas Eve is the most anticipated and beautiful day of the year for a Polish family, as winter darkness is suddenly brightened by the appearance of the Christmas star in the night sky, by flickering lights on Christmas trees, and the melodies of Christmas carols fleating from homes and churches.

December 6th is St. Nicolas Day, Dzień Świętego Mikołaja, and it brings a small reprieve to the gray, monotonous days, especially to children, who feel that Christmas is still so far away. Someone in the family was usually selected to be St. Nicholas and, in villages, he would be driven in a sleigh from house to house. He would be dressed in a long white or red robe, wearing a tall headpiece much like a bishop’s mitre, a white flowing beard, and in his hand he held a shepherd’s staff. He asked children if they were naughty or nice and if they knew their prayers, and then he would give them sweets, nuts, and apples pulled from under his cloak. In case St Nicholas could not make the visit personally, his gifts were placed under the children’s pillows or in their shoes during the night. I definitely remember gifts under the pillows!

Here’s a short poem that you might enjoy: