December in Poland

I remember my Mother ordering Christmas wafers (oplatek) from St. Adalbert Church near Christmas time! Oplatek, a thin wafer with a religious scene pressed into it, is shared at Wigilia. Wigilia occurs Christmas Eve at the appearance of the first star--commemorating the star of Bethlehem. Midnight mass on Christmas Eve also is a tradition. This tradition celebrated in Grand Rapids, Michigan, obviously had a Polish origin. Many traditions we celebrate in December are also celebrated in Poland. For instance,gingerbread is baked and decorations are made. Trees are trimmed with glass blown ornaments made in Poland. Outdoor nativity scenes are assembled. Carol singing and sleigh rides occur. Advent is a prayerful time of waiting for the Nativity of Jesus. November 6 is Saint Nicholas Day with a gift under the pillow. Typical temperature in Tomaszow is a high of 35 degrees and a low of 28. Grand Rapids, Michigan has a similar high temperature and an average low of 23.