Traditional Christmas Greeting: "Wesolch Swiat"
Location: Central Europe
Tree Type: Traditional

Decorations:
- Wisiorek (Hanging ornament): (3-sided multi-colored) The design used in making this ornament is commonly found on embroidered female folkware (coats or vests). The beads represent the KORALE (coral beads) that a GORALKA (female highlander) wears with her traditional folk costume. The red ribbon is what she uses to lace up the front of her embroidered vest.
- Owca (Sheep): The sheep are one of primary sources of income for the gorale. The wool is used in making their folk costumes as well as making yarn for knitting. The leather skin is used in making warm coats (KOZUCH) and other articles of clothing necessary for life in the cold Tatry Mountains.
- Oset (Thistle): (light green ornament-this description is for you--to help you when you get the pictures) This is a plant that grows in the Tatry Mountains. This design is used in many wood carvings and Highlander embroidery.
- Lancuch Szarotkowy (Edelweiss garland): Szarotki are an endangered species of flower/plant life in the Tatry Mountains. The flower itself is unusual because it is of a felt-like consistency. Szarotki are used in many wood carvings and pictures of this area.

Traditions:
People in Poland begin preparing for Christmas Eve by thoroughly cleaning their homes to rid them of the evil spirits that are thought to dwell in everything dirty. The night of the 24th, nicknamed Gwiiazdka (little star), is an important one for the Polish people. Hay is spread beneath the tablecloth as a reminder that Jesus was born in a stable. The meal itself, called Wigilia, is a lavish one with anywhere from nine to twelve dishes but no meat. It begins with the sharing of the Oplatek, the Christmas wafer imprinted with scenes of the nativity. After that, families enjoy poppy-seed bread, sledzie (pickled herring), boiled potatoes, pierogi, babka, prune dumplings, and poppy-seed noodles. Once the meal is over, everyone at the table leaves together for fear of the superstition that the first to rise will not survive to see another Christmas.

Christmas Eve was traditionally seen as a magical time in Poland. Straws, barking gods, towels, fences, and rivers were some of the things used by young people to predict future spouses and marriages. Elders used the stars and weather to determine the next year's fortunes. Any presents to be exchanged were usually found round the Christmas tree in the living room. Traditional Christmas tree decorations include ornaments made from painted eggshells, nuts, apples, and straw. Homemade mobiles called pajaki and hanging stars are also common. After the Wigilia, the older members of each family attend a midnight mass called Pasterka, or Shepherd's Watch.

The Christmas season doesn't officially conclude until Candlemas Day on February 2. On this day, people in Poland take candles to church to be blessed by the priest. These candles are used during times of storms, sickness, or death until Christmas comes again the net year.

The family gathers on Christmas Eve for the traditional dinner (Wigilia). On that night, all watch the sky anxiously, hoping to be the first to cry out, "The star!' The moment the star appears, everyone exchanges greetings and good wishes. When the first star appears the meal can begin. On the table is placed fresh straw as a reminder of the stable in Bethlehem. A place is left vacant at the table for the Christ Child or unexpected traveler or guest that might stop by on this night.