Wesolych Swiat From The PFA Cultural Commissioner

By Dodie Piersielak

There are so many books and Web sites that can help you plan your Polish Christmas. Two of the books in my collection are: “Vigil of Christmas Eve,” and “A Polish Christmas Eve” by Rev. Czeslaw Michal Krysa. Either one will give you all kinds of information on how to plan your Christmas Eve.

In Polish tradition, a Christmas card from a relative or friend with a small piece of wafer (Oplatek) enclosed is an expression of love and unity. These pieces are shared by all at the Vigil (Wigilia) Supper. Families and friends unite in this sharing, so don’t forget to include a piece of Oplatek in your Christmas cards this year.

Joe Smolka, a member of Nest 20, Wilmington, Del., has written a 44-page book titled, “Christmas Eve — Wigilia, A Polish-American Tradition.” In the book, Joe and his family write about their Polish Christmas traditions. Along with recipes, he has music and lyrics in English and in Polish for songs like “Dzisiaj W Betlejem,” and “Lulajze, Jesuniu.” The book also has a list of cassettes that Joe’s Seventh Avenue Band (now retired) has made. The book sells for $7.95, and in celebration of January being National Polka Month, Joe will ship any Falcon member a free Polka CD. He only asks that you pay $2 shipping. You can write him at: BMK, Inc., Westview III, 233 Maryland Ave., Wilmington, DE 19804-3040.

From upstate New York, I would like to wish my Falcon family a very Merry Christmas, Wesolych Swiat, and a Healthy, Prosperous 2007.