Szopka krakowska, Bronisław Pięcik, MHK, non traditional christmas dinner. 04567 Christmas nativity scene at the Franciscan church in Sanok, 2010. Christmas in Poland is a major annual celebration, as in most countries of the Christian world. The Day of Saint Nicholas on 6 December is the unofficial beginning of the festive season in Poland.
Well-behaved children receive small gifts on the day, whereas naughty children receive a lump of coal or a twig, called “rózga”. Other aspects of Polish Christmas include nativity plays called “Jasełka” or “Herody”, outdoor nativity scenes, the singing of carols, most notably “God Is Born”, and Kulig, a horse-pulled sleigh ride. Christmas tree in a Polish home. Traditionally, the Christmas trees are decorated with glass baubles, garlands and many homemade ornaments including painted eggshells, shiny red apples, walnuts, wrapped chocolate shapes, candles, etc. They are lit on Christmas Eve before Wigilia.