December 2025
Holiday Traditions in the U.S. & Poland
As the year winds down and festive lights begin to twinkle, December invites us to pause, reflect, and celebrate. Whether you're sipping cocoa by the fire or preparing pierogi in a bustling kitchen, holiday traditions offer comfort, connection, and a sense of belonging. This month we explore the beautiful customs that shape the season in both the United States and Poland - two cultures rich in spirit and storytelling. The traditions of Poland are celebrated within many Polish-American households across the United States.
American Cheer: A Season of Sparkle and Joy
Homes Aglow:
Neighborhoods light up with dazzling displays, from classic string lights to whimsical inflatables.
Cookies & Creativity:
Families bake and decorate cookies - often leaving a few out for Santa & his reindeer.
Carols and Community:
Carolers bring joy to doorsteps and town squares, reviving timeless tunes.
Santa Letters:
Children pen heartfelt wishes, keeping the magic of belief alive. Santa never fails to reply!
Polish Wonder: Faith, Family, and Folklore
In Poland, the holiday season is steeped in reverence and ritual:
Wigilia (Christmas Eve Dinner):
Families gather when the first star appears, sharing opłatek wafers and enjoying 12 symbolic dishes.
An Empty Chair:
A place is set for an unexpected guest or absent loved one, honoring hospitality and remembrance.
Krakow's Nativity Contest:
Artisans craft intricate szopki (nativity cribs), showcasing folk artistry and devotion.
Candlelit Cemeteries:
On All Saints' Day, cemeteries glow with thousands of candles - a breathtaking tribute to ancestors.
Pasterka Mass (Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve):
It marks the start of Christmas Day and celebrates the Nativity of Jesus, often with joyful hymns like Bóg się rodzi (God is Born) and Wśród nocnej ciszy (In the Midst of Night's Silence).
Polish traditions blend solemnity with joy, reminding us of the strength found in family and faith.
Bridging Cultures - Building Connection
For Polish-Americans and heritage enthusiasts alike, these traditions offer a bridge between worlds - a way to honor the past while embracing the present. Whether you're lighting a menorah, decorating a tree, or sharing opłatek with loved ones, the heart of the season remains the same: love, generosity, and togetherness.
This December, let's celebrate not just with gifts, but with stories, songs, and shared meals that echo across generations.
May your holidays be filled with warmth, wonder, and the joy of connection.
The Officers & Directors of the PACCF wish you a Blessed, Merry Christmas!
Wesołych świąt Bożego Narodzenia