Practicing Time-Honored Family Traditions

By Geri Rybaltowski

Four generations ago, when my husband’s grandparents immigrated to America from Poland, they brought with them a beloved family tradition that is still celebrated in our family today. Wigilia, a Christmas Eve celebration, has been kept sacred in our family since my husband’s grandparents shared it with their loved ones in the 1800’s.

As our elders did more than 200 years ago, we begin this special evening with the sharing of the Oplatki. Each family member from 6 to 87 years of age shares a piece of this unleavened bread with one another while we wish each other the many blessings of the holiday season. We currently have 35 family members that gather each December 24 to celebrate this joyous event.

Following the Oplatki, we all sit down at a table beautifully set with china, candles, and crystal. Under each dinner plate, a few pieces of straw are placed to represent the birth of Jesus. After the dinner, which is comprised of mainly seafood dishes with no meat, the older people sing Polish Christmas songs. Later, the children take over with their own favorite carols.

When everything is finished, we hear Santa Claus ringing his bells and joyfully coming down the steps with loud exclamations of “HO HO HO!” The children are screaming with excitement! Each child sits on Santa’s lap, tells him what he or she wants for Christmas, and receive a beautiful gift in return. Sometimes an adult sits on Santa’s lap and also expresses his or her Christmas wants.

What a joyful occasion rich in heartfelt memories! We often think of my husband’s parents and grandparents and imagine how proud they would be that their beloved tradition has continued to be celebrated throughout so many years and generations in our family.