Christmas in the UK: Poles in Emigration.

Christmas is among the most important holidays in Christian culture, and it is celebrated in Poland and the UK. However, the way it is celebrated varies significantly between the two countries. For Poles living in the UK, the festive season is a time for reflection, blending Polish and British traditions, and building intercultural bridges.

Polish Christmas is deeply rooted in Christian tradition and family values. Christmas Eve, celebrated on December 24th, is the most significant day, rich in symbolism and spiritual meaning. The Christmas Eve dinner, consisting of 12 meatless dishes such as beetroot soup with dumplings, pierogi, carp, and dried fruit compote, is the centrepiece of the evening. The tradition of sharing the wafer, leaving an empty seat at the table for an unexpected guest, and placing hay under the tablecloth highlights the spiritual and familial dimensions of the celebration.
The Midnight Mass, known as "Pasterka", gathers the faithful to commemorate the birth of Jesus. Christmas's first and second days are dedicated to family gatherings, shared meals, and continuing the festivities.
Approximately one million Poles reside in the UK, making them the largest immigrant group from the European Union.

Christmas in the UK has a more festive and casual character. Preparations begin in early December, with Britons decorating their homes, gardens, and streets with lights, while advent calendars help children count down the days until Christmas. The main day of celebration is December 25th, when families gather for a festive meal. The traditional Christmas dinner includes roasted turkey, potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and Christmas pudding.
Presents are opened on Christmas morning, with children finding them in stockings or under the Christmas tree. A quintessential part of British Christmas is the Christmas cracker—decorative tubes containing small gifts and paper crowns. Boxing Day celebrated on December 26th, is a day for relaxation, shopping, and sporting events.

For many Poles in the UK, Christmas Eve remains the key element of the celebration. Polish stores in British cities such as London, Manchester, and Liverpool offer products essential for preparing traditional dishes like carp or pierogi. Polish communities organize Midnight Masses in local churches, and Polish Christmas markets remind them of traditions from their homeland.

At the same time, many Poles adopt elements of British Christmas. Gifts often open on December 25th, allowing families to combine both celebration styles. In some homes, roasted turkey appears on the table alongside borscht and pierogi, and children enjoy advent calendars with excitement.

Differences in Tradition: Spirituality vs. Festivity
Polish Christmas is deeply spiritual, emphasizing family, religiosity, and symbolism. British Christmas, on the other hand, focuses more on entertainment, gifts, and shared fun.
In Poland, Christmas Eve is the central day of the holiday, while in the UK, no significant events take place on that day.
The Polish Christmas Eve dinner is meatless and symbolic, featuring dishes like beetroot soup with dumplings and "kutia". In England, roasted turkey and pudding are staples.
The UK is renowned for its rich, colourful decorations and commercial approach to Christmas, contrasting with traditional Polish ornaments such as hay under the tablecloth or wooden nativity scenes.

Poles living in the UK often strive to merge the traditions of both countries, creating new customs and adapting to their surroundings. At Polish-British Christmas Eve gatherings, traditional dishes are served alongside British treats. Joint holiday events, such as Polish-British carol concerts and markets, unite communities.
For many emigrants, Christmas is also a time to reflect on cultural identity and build bridges between cultures. Children attending British schools often participate in school nativity plays, while at home, they learn Polish carols and traditions.

For Poles in the UK, Christmas is a time to blend traditions, preserve their roots, and create new customs. Although the two countries differ in their approach to the holiday, the shared values of family, joy, and spending time with loved ones remain a common thread. Polish emigrants exemplify how two cultures can be creatively combined, giving the festive season a unique character.

Editor: Maria Anna Furman

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