I suppose this depends on who you talk to as to which day it is - as I’ve heard the 25th being referred to as the second day of Christmas by some - as they consider the 24th to be “Christmas”, but December 26 is YET another day to celebrate Christmas here. In England/the UK, it’s Boxing Day - where people help the poor. In Poland it is still a holiday. Others tell me it is the first day of Christmas. I think actually most consider this the first day.

This year, since the Polish holidays start on the afternoon of the 24th, this means that stores will be closed down from Friday early afternoon until Monday morning, the 27th because Sunday is (was) the 26th.

So what happens normally on the 26th?

From what I understand, this is often the day to visit “other” relatives - the ones that you didn’t get to see on the 24th and the 25th.

One time I asked an English student if they would ever like to just ‘stay home’ and celebrate in their own family without constantly traveling. I think the idea was pretty foreign to him - so he had to think about it. (I know it’s hard on mom when the kids are little and you are going from house to house - I still remember those days and how difficult it was for me and the littles who needed to be able to take naps. Obviously it’s another story when the kids are older.)

This year, as you know, is different. They are not encouraging people travel. I think people are doing a lot of travelling anyway - unlike last year when we were told not to be with family.

But I know many of our American friends are ALREADY considering taking down their Christmas tree on the 26th!

No way does that happen here - it often just went up on the 24th or just a few days before that! That just isn’t long enough! Plus, they are going to be in the “Christmas mode” for quite a while - often til the end of January.

Since normally all stores are closed today - well, it’s just a day to relax and get ready for the new “after Christmas” week.

Often times people start taking a trip today - the one that goes between Christmas and New Year’s. However, once again…this year is different. In Poland, they’ve shut down the ski resorts and all hotels, etc. So, there is no point in traveling unless you have family or friends to stay with!

Here’s another hand blown ornaments that I bought recently.

I’ll add it the post about ornaments, but here it is.

I can hardly believe I can get such a pretty, hand painted ornament made in Poland for just over $5.

Isn’t it pretty?

Here in Poland we are going back to March restrictions - until Jan. 17. The malls are closing down just after Christmas except for the supermarkets and pharmacies, and other ‘necessary’ places. Our numbers in Poland for COVID are going back up - they are expecting to peak again in mid January.

Here’s what our tree sometimes looks like!

But in the minds of the Polish people - it’s still a holiday! They are used to this much time to celebrate. They also have the Monday after Easter off - so they call it Easter Monday…it’s normal for them to get two days off for these major holidays.

Have a great day wherever you are reading this! Thanks for coming along on my quilting journey with me!

Be sure to check out what my sis has for you in the store here!

Here’s one of the beauties we have!

Cultural: The Second Day of Christmas - December 25/26