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Embrace a Polish Christmas this year, joining a million others in the UK! Polish celebrations last three days, with Wigilia, the Christmas Eve vigil meal, as the highlight. The tradition includes fasting until the first star appears, placing hay under the tablecloth, leaving a place for an unexpected guest, sharing the Opłatek wafer and wishes, and feasting on 12 symbolic dishes.
Typical foods include beetroot soup, mushroom soup, herring salads, cod, and especially pierogi filled with potato/cheese or mushroom/sauerkraut. Desserts might include poppy seed cake or cheesecake. After dinner, exchange gifts, sing carols, or attend midnight mass. Christmas Day focuses on roasted meats like duck or goose alongside sweet treats. Boxing Day brings more leftovers, stew, and apple cake.
